Comedy and cocktails are helping Luminar recover

The struggling owner of nightclub chains Liquid and Oceana yesterday reported an improving sales trend after attracting customers through its Jongleurs comedy nights and a new cocktail bar concept.

Luminar, which has 77 outlets and also operates the Lava & Ignite brand, said sales were down 9.7 per cent in the nine weeks to 2 July, compared with an 11.7 per cent decline in the 18 weeks to the same date.

The better-than-expected performance came after the group rolled out Jongleurs comedy nights to seven of its venues and opened five WooWoo cocktail bars next to its clubs as part of a drive to broaden its appeal beyond its traditional 18-to-24-year old market.

It has also been putting on special offers at some of its clubs to pull in crowds in an increasingly competitive market. The firm said a reduction in margins was "largely" being offset by the increased admissions.

The group plans to launch five more Jongleurs nights and four more WooWoo bars in the coming months.