RETAIL sales at Edinburgh Waverley railway station rose by 6.8 per cent between July and September, a figure that is a third higher than the UK national average.

Network Rail marked five-and-a-half years – 22 quarters – of consecutive retail sales growth across the UK when it released statistics for the latest quarter yesterday.

The Government-owned company said the sales surge at Edinburgh Waverley has been driven by strong growth in its bread category, which has risen almost 300 per cent since the opening of a new Pret A Manger outlet earlier in the year.

The station’s popular pubs and bars also contributed to the growth along with sales of cards and stationery. David Biggs, managing director of Network Rail Property, said: “In today’s society people want variety and convenience and our stations offer just that.

“They give our busy customers a chance to grab gifts, fashion and food while on the move, as well as offering a destination for sit-down meals, coffee, and socialising.”

More than 63 million retail customers visited station outlets around Britain during the quarter.

Other stations with high sales growth included Birmingham (11.1 per cent) and Manchester (5.2 per cent).

Network Rail says all profits from retail activities are reinvested back into the railway and plans are well under way for a programme of retail enhancement in 2018.