The Dan Murphy’s and BWS liquor chains operated by Woolworths spin-off Endeavour Group are thriving in a stay-at-home economy, with drinkers buying more expensive products and the businesses benefiting from a more subdued industry-wide approach to discounting and promotions.

Chief executive Steve Donohue said the group’s hotels are starting to see some improvements in February as people gradually regain their confidence in going out after the initial wave of the omicron variant, but he isn’t expecting a sudden roaring back in demand.