Coles Liquor has reported its third-quarter 2025 financial results as a part of the overall earnings update from Coles Group.
Liquor sales for the group increased by 3.4 per cent to $813m for the third quarter, compared to the same reporting period in 2024.
Two-year growth for Coles Liquor also improved, up 1.5 per cent.
Sales performance benefited from an uplift in space growth with 31 new net stores added to the portfolio over the past 12 months, including the acquisition of 20 stores in Tasmania in June 2024.
Four new stores were opened, four were closed and 10 store renewals were completed with all the acquired Tasmanian stores renewed following their conversion to the Liquorland banner last year.
In a statement to the ASX, Coles said; “Whilst the liquor market continues to be impacted by subdued discretionary spending, sales revenue was underpinned by strong execution across events, such as Australia Day, and a reset of our value offer across all stores to deliver a more compelling offer for customers.
“This included the move to consistent base and promotional pricing across all three retail banners and the nationwide rollout of Price Match Promise.”
E-commerce sales for Coles Liquor increased by 18.2 per cent in the period to 30 March 2025 with strong growth delivered across home delivery and Click & Collect channels.
In March, Liquor announced that it will proceed with the national rollout of its ‘Simply Liquorland’ program set to convert Vintage Cellars and First Choice Liquor Market stores to the Liquorland brand.
Coles said: “It [Simply Liquorland] will also align product range, promotions, the Flybuys loyalty program and omnichannel services across the portfolio whilst still enabling stores to be tailored for local demographics.”
The company said the decision follows the success of a pilot program rolled out across selected stores in South Australia, Victoria and Queensland.
The pilot was proven to increase brand awareness and customer engagement, repeat visits and overall greater shopping satisfaction across the trial stores.
Coles Liquor expects approximately $7m in program related costs are expected to be incurred in the second half of the 2025 financial year.
Liquor Easy Ordering (LEO) was also rolled out in the period to more than 600 stores, which Coles Liquor said removed manual ordering for team members and improved availability for customers.
Looking ahead, Coles Group CEO, Leah Weckert, said Coles Group is expecting to end financial 2025 on a high.
“With the ramp up of our second Automated Distribution Centre in New South Wales now complete, the ability to deliver a step change in online customer experience through our Customer Fulfilment Centres, and our Liquor banner simplification program underway, we enter the fourth quarter focused on delivering a great shopping experience for our customers underpinned by quality products at affordable prices.”