McDonald's Corp. announced that global comparable sales increased 1.2 percent in January. Performance by segment was: U.S. down 3.3 percent, Europe up 2.0 percent and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA) up 5.4 percent.
"Throughout the McDonald's System we are committed to elevating the customer experience and enhancing our customers' relationship with our brand," said McDonald's President and Chief Executive Officer Don Thompson, in a prepared statement. "We are intent on improving our performance by building on our customer-driven strategies and the fundamental strengths of our proven business model."
In January, U.S. comparable sales decreased 3.3 percent amid broad-based challenges including severe winter weather. During the month, the U.S. featured the breakfast line-up and Dollar Menu & More value options. Across the U.S., McDonald's is focused on regaining positive momentum with customer engagement, menu choice and operations excellence initiatives designed to enhance the customer experience.
In Europe, January's comparable sales increased 2.0 percent as positive performance in the U.K. and France was partly offset by negative results in Germany. Europe's results in January reflected a customer-focused approach that incorporated menu variety, everyday affordability and daypart expansion.
Comparable sales in APMEA increased 5.4 percent in January driven by results in China, reflecting a shift in timing of Chinese New Year and lapping the residual effects of consumer sensitivity related to the prior year supply chain issue in the chicken industry. January's comparable sales also benefited from solid results in Japan, Australia and many other markets. APMEA's emphasis on unique menu, convenience and affordability options tailored to local market tastes and lifestyles contributed to performance for the month. Full report.
