NETWORK Rail’s ongoing transformation of retail spaces at stations has seen a sales increase of 23% across its Scottish retail portfolio.
The strong overall performances were supported by ‘considerable’ sales growth at Glasgow Central, with sales increasing by 32% – which Network Rail said was supported by the refurbishment of the station’s WH Smith unit.
Glasgow Central is currently undergoing a £5 million revamp, which Network Rail said will see a wider choice of brands on offer and the customer and retail experience transformed.
At Edinburgh Waverley, sales increased by 17%. Network Rail said that the station is currently 100% let, but additional opportunities are being explored to increase the retail mix.
All five regions across the Network Rail portfolio experienced growth in sales, with the strongest rise coming in Scotland. Retail sales grew by 11.1% across the entirety of its retail portfolio of 19 managed stations throughout Britain.
Across all 19 stations, total retail sales in Q4 of £199.6m delivered an increase of 10% compared to Q4 2019/20, which represents an £18.2 million growth on pre-pandemic levels. Network Rail’s annual retail sales for 2023/2024 surpassed £842 million and were 2% ahead of 2019/20.
Network Rail explained that income generated through retail and food and beverage (F&B) is key to its wider reinvestment into the transformation of the UK’s railways.
Hamish Kiernan, commercial director of property at Network Rail, commented, “We’re highly encouraged by our retail sales figures across our managed Scottish stations for Q4. As we continue to invest in our stations through transforming our retail space, it’s also great to see brands invest. Welcoming new businesses and store formats ensures both our customers and communities benefit from an attractive mix of retail and F&B.”
