News

McDonald's delivers a strong January

February 8, 2012

McDonald's Corp. has announced global comparable sales growth of 6.7 percent in January.

Sales in the U.S. were up 7.8 percent on the heels of the recent Chicken McBites launch. Breakfast, the McCafe line and core items such as the Big Mac also lifted results.

Europe's sales increased 4 percent, driven by performance in the U.K., Russia, Germany and France. McDonald's core menu options, rotating premium and mid-tier offerings and ongoing restaurant reimaging pushed the month's comps.

Comparable sales in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) increased 7.3 percent in January led by China, which benefitted in part from the timing of Chinese New Year, and many other markets. APMEA's unique limited-time food events, ongoing breakfast and lunch value platforms and customer convenience (delivery, 24/7 hours) fueled the segment's performance.

"January marks another month of sustained sales growth, demonstrating the ongoing appeal of McDonald's winning combination of value, menu variety and convenience," said Jim Skinner, CEO. "Our focus on enhancing the McDonald's experience through great-tasting, affordable food and beverage choices served in increasingly modernized restaurants is helping make McDonald's our customers' favorite place and way to eat and drink."

Systemwide sales for the month increased 8.4 percent, or 9.1 percent in constant currencies.

January's performance beat expectations. According to Reuters, analysts predicted McDonald's comps to be up 5.9 percent.

Shamrock Shake to go national

With St. Patrick's Day in view, McDonald's plans on rolling out its popular Shamrock Shake nationally for the first time.

According to Chicago Business, the green-colored shake will be available in all 14,000 U.S. restaurants through March 25 for a suggested price of $1.89.

The Shamrock Shake debuted in 1970. Prior to now, its availability was left up to individual operators. In 2011, about 7,000 restaurants offered the item.

Like the McRib, its sporadic presence created a cult-like following, and there is a website devoted to the item's sightings.

McDonald's spokesperson Ashlee Yingling told Chicago Business that the national rollout is in response to customer feedback. A national ad campaign for the Shamrock Shake will begin later this month.

Read more about operations management or food and beverage rollouts.