John Lewis weekly sales up 5.3%
John Lewis saw its sales rise 5.3% year-on-year last week as trade was boosted by the warmer weather and price matching activity.
Fashion sales soared by 19.6%, helped by the uplift from the retailer’s Extravaganza promotion in the second half of the week. The sunny weather also helped to drive sales both in the stores and online as customers updated their summer wardrobes with new swimwear, sandals and sunglasses.
Amanda Scott, head of buying, women’s accessories and beauty, said: “Stock availability and our supply chain ran smoothly, helping us meet the extra demand last week and customers were clearly appreciating the ease of access to their online purchases through Click & collect in Waitrose branches.”
Electricals and Home Technology fell just behind the year at -0.3% as the directorate faced tough comparatives from the same week last year when sales benefited from the Digital Switchover and the iPad 3 launch. However, sales were up 60% against the two-year comparison with strong sales of electrical items, audio imaging and IT.
Home had a tougher week with sales falling 2.5% year-on-year. Furniture sales rose 4.6%, with outdoor living products seeing their best sales since 2011: 102% up on the year.
Price matching activity drove footfall into the stores and boosted growth online where sales were up 18.9% in the week. Of the department stores, Glasgow, Milton Keynes, Liverpool and Peter Jones posted the strongest performances.
Scott added: “As we conclude a strong first quarter our focus ahead is on trading new season’s merchandise, continuing to provide product innovation to surprise and delight our customers and a best-in-class shopping experience through all our channels.”
