The interim trading report of Rank Group, the proprietors of Mecca Bingo, shows improved trading figures. Although the report does conclude that for the same period last year, the figures are lower, it has to be taken into consideration that during this period last year, the smoking ban had not come into effect yet.
It is interesting that the smoking ban in bingo halls has been in place since 2006 in Scotland and like for like sales are ahead of the figures from the same period last year. Although both sets of figures are down on the pre smoking ban figures, they still show an improvement and this will hopefully mark a turning point for the group to improve revenues.
Rank hopes that strategies to increase revenue by placing focus on both new and old customers will work and to this end they have introduced a rewards programme for loyal customers as well as reaching out for new custom. They are also in the process of increasing standards of service. For the time being no new bingo clubs will be opened by Rank, but by the same token no more bingo club closures are planned either.
