Endeavour Group has given a trading update on sales for the 14 weeks from 30 June to 5 October 2025, with sales returning to growth.

Following subdued sales in July and August, the company said sales momentum improved in September. Combined Dan
Murphy’s and BWS sales returned to growth, which Endeavour Group attributed to effective trade plan execution around holidays and footy finals, as well as targeted offers.

Total retail sales were $2,499 million for the quarter, down 1.4% on the previous corresponding period. This includes the impact of lower specialty sales following the integration of Shorty’s operations into Dan Murphy’s and the transition of Jimmy Brings to a partnership model with Milkrun in FY25.

Combined Dan Murphy’s and BWS sales were $2,442 million, -1% versus the previous corresponding period. On a comparable store basis, sales for Dan Murphy’s and BWS were down 1.3% versus the first quarter of FY25.

Hotels sales of $592 million in the first quarter of FY26 were up 4.4% versus the previous corresponding period, with strong performance during key events (British and Irish Lions series, Father’s Day and footy finals). On a comparable hotel basis, sales were up 3.6% versus the previous corresponding period.

Great Northern’s first-ever flagship pub – The Northern Grounds Hotel – a joint venture between Asahi and ALH launched at Diddillibah in Queensland during the period. Following the launch, the Northern Grounds Hotel has become a top 10 ALH venue for F&B nationally (previously outside the top 150).

Endeavour Group CEO Kate Beattie said: “Following a soft start to FY26, our retail sales trajectory improved over Q1, with positive sales growth in September.

“Targeted and well-executed promotions during the September school holidays and footy finals delivered strong sales, however consumer spending was relatively subdued outside of key events.

“We have continued to strengthen our competitive position by reinforcing our best-in-market everyday low pricing on the key brands and products our customers value most, complemented by value-focused promotions and underpinned by Dan Murphy’s lowest liquor price guarantee. Promotional intensity across the retail liquor market remained elevated throughout Q1, particularly in the online channel where our sales grew by 20.9%.

“Our hotels business continues to perform well, with growth across all four key drivers: food, bars, gaming and accommodation. Hotel renewals, localised Food and Bars menus, new EGMs and our expanded Nightcap accommodation offering all contributed to this positive trading result.

“Looking ahead, the second quarter remains a key trading period for the Group, with marquee events including Spring
Racing, The Ashes Series, Christmas festivities, New Year and the start of summer holidays.

“Finally, we are making good progress on our Group-wide strategy review, which will establish the framework for creating value for all our stakeholders and delivering sustainable returns for shareholders over the medium to long term.”

Yesterday, Coles announced sales at its liquor stores fell 1.1% to $842 million in the first quarter of the financial year. Coles Group CEO Leah Weckert said the market continued to be challenging, with consumers remaining budget conscious.

October trading and outlook

Endeavour Group said the positive sales growth in retail that began in September has continued in October.

The company said promotional intensity across the retail liquor market is expected to continue to be elevated through the second half.

Hotels have also made a positive start to the second quarter. Sales growth in October is modestly below the first quarter trend, driven by beer pricing and event timing.

Endeavour Group cautioned that inflationary pressure on wages and elevated security costs, combined with increased
depreciation and amortisation, remained a headwind to earnings growth in the half.