Majestic has hailed new store openings and the growth of its on-trade distribution business for helping it outperform the wider off-trade booze market over the festive period.
Sales at Majestic climbed by 0.9% over the five weeks to 29 December, set against a retail alcohol market that shrunk 4.1% during December, according to Worldpanel by Numerator data.
Majestic said revenue was boosted by the opening of five new stores during 2025, and the “continued momentum” of its on-trade supply arm Majestic Commercial.
Its “unique and differentiated in-store proposition” including award-winning wines, free in-store wine tastings and “highly qualified” colleagues, drove record numbers of shoppers to its stores over Christmas, it claimed. Some 10.9% more customers were served by the retailer this festive period compared with last.
Meanwhile, the retailer recorded its biggest ever trading day on 23 December, beating the record it set on the same day last year.
It also clocked up its busiest ever Christmas Eve 24 hours later, as wine lovers sought out last-minute purchases.
Key categories like fine wine, champagne, sparkling and France had “resonated particularly strongly” with customers over Christmas, Majestic revealed.
Sales of fine wine rose 4.8% year on year, French wines increased 4% and the champagne and sparkling category recorded a 2.6% uplift.
Majestic also enjoyed its best-ever December in rosé, with sales climbing 5% across the five weeks. English wines sales, meanwhile, jumped 27% compared with the same period in 2024.
In the on-trade, Majestic Commercial supplied nearly 200 new gastropubs, bars, restaurants and hospitality venues compared with last Christmas.
The company’s B2B arm also recorded its biggest ever week of sales to independent free trade operators over Christmas.
“To achieve what we did in a retail alcohol market that declined 4.1% demonstrates the strength of the Majestic proposition,” said Majestic Retail managing director Elizabeth Newman. “At a time when customers are moderating their alcohol spend but seeking out better quality wines, beers and spirits, it’s clear that Majestic’s differentiated product range, expert advice and market-leading service continues to be a winning combination.”
Majestic Wine Group executive chairman and CEO John Colley added: “Majestic’s excellent Christmas performance capped off another stellar year of transformation and strategic progress.
“Following our purchase of the leading wines and spirits distributor Enotria and the creation of the Majestic Wine Group, we have also invested heavily in opening three new Vagabond bars, including the UK’s largest Urban Winery, as well as five new Majestic stores.
“We’re heading into 2026 with good momentum and confidence that our strategic plan will continue to deliver growth across the group.”
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