Greggs reported total sales up 7.7% in the 13 weeks to 26 September 2026 and nudged up its full-year outlook, while proposing to close four manufacturing sites with about 740 redundancies. The bakery chain’s estate now stands at 2,796 shops, 639 of them franchised, according to a trade summary of the update.
Greggs published its third-quarter trading update on 30 September 2026. Like-for-like sales in company-managed shops rose 3.4%, and sales over the first 39 weeks are up 7.4% in total and 2.6% like-for-like. Year to date, the company has opened 95 shops and closed 38, 20 of them relocations, a net gain of 57.
It keeps its target of 100 to 110 net new shops for 2026. Greggs described the profit outcome as “modestly improved”, and its shares rose by about 8% on the day.
Four manufacturing sites in the proposal
The proposal would close Enfield in Greater London, North Lakes near Penrith in Cumbria, Pettigrews in Kelso in the Scottish Borders and Seaham in County Durham. Greggs estimates about 740 redundancies over two and a half years, with cash costs of roughly £60 million, including about £40 million of capital expenditure.
It expects annual pre-tax operating cash savings of about £20 million, arriving in 2028 and 2029. Consultation with affected colleagues and their union representatives is due to start shortly, and the company stressed that no final decisions have been made.
Roisin Currie, chief executive of Greggs, said: “To continue building a successful business for the future, we must keep evolving alongside changing customer expectations.”
A 2,796-shop estate with 639 franchised
A trade summary of the update put the estate at 2,796 shops on 26 September: 2,157 company-managed and 639 franchised, a split explained in what a franchise is.
Greggs also reported its 50th drive-thru, five “bitesize” sites and ten Greggs Express sites in operation, with two more expected by the end of the year. The company credited the quarter to menu launches such as iced summer drinks, relaunched salads and protein-led products.
Who can become a Greggs franchise partner
Greggs franchises to partners who already control roadside, forecourt, grocery, transport, hospital or campus sites. The model is not open to an individual with a high street unit, unlike many of the bakery and pastry franchises recruiting in the UK.
Consultation and the sites affected
Three of the four proposed closures are in England and one, Pettigrews in Kelso, is in Scotland. Greggs has not broken the 740 redundancies down by site in the coverage reviewed, and the proposals are spread over two and a half years rather than taking effect at once.
Of the £60 million cash cost, about £40 million is capital expenditure. The company said it will shortly begin consulting affected colleagues and their union representatives, and that no final decisions have been made. Shares in Greggs rose by between 7.5% and 8.2% on the day, depending on the report.
Cost inflation and the outlook for 2027
Greggs expects cost inflation of around 2% in 2026 and said pressures could be greater in 2027. It still anticipates opening between 100 and 110 net new shops this year, alongside 12 Greggs Express sites. The consultation with workforce representatives is the next formal step on the four manufacturing sites, and the savings the company has quantified are not expected to arrive until 2028 and 2029.
Greggs has not published a revised profit figure in the coverage reviewed, only the description of a “modestly improved” outcome. Brands recruiting operators without a site in hand can be compared across the UK franchise directory.
