Oak Brook, Illinois, USA-headquartered McDonald’s Corporation announced on December 9 that global comparable sales increased 0.5% in November, despite disappointing performances in the United States and Japan. System-wide sales during the month for the world’s largest fast food chain rose 1.1%, or 3.1% in constant currencies.
The US sales decline of 0.8% was attributed to the impact of ongoing competitive activity and relatively flat store traffic counts. This was well below the +0.3 sales performance expected by Wall Street analysts.
Looking ahead to 2014, the company aims to rebuild business momentum in the US by strengthening key elements of customer service and leveraging the breadth of menu choices across all dayparts and value tiers.
Europe was McDonald’s bright spot in November, as comparable sales in the region increased 1.9% thanks to positive performances in the United Kingdom, France and Russia, which offset negative results in Germany.
“Amid a tepid informal eating out market, Europe delivered positive results by elevating the customer experience with appealing premium, core and value menu options, compelling promotional food events and continued focus on key dayparts,” said Don Thompson, McDonald’s president and ceo.
Comparable sales in the Asia Pacific/Middle East/Africa market (APMEA) declined 2.3% in November, due primarily to negative results in Japan. In an effort to boost future performance, restaurants in APMEA territories will be pursuing customer-focused initiatives that broaden accessibility and enhance value across all dayparts.
McDonald’s tentatively plans to release fourth quarter results before the market opens on January 23.
