John Lewis sales down 0.5% last week due to the later fall of clearance
Sales at John Lewis were down 0.5% year-on-year last week at £96.2 million as the later fall of the retailer’s clearance sale this year caused a shift in trading.
Fashion sales rose by 1.5% with both menswear and women’s casualwear seeing double digit growth. Sales within the swimwear and nightwear category were also up, rising by 26.5%, as customers prepared for their summer holidays.
Electricals and home technology sales climbed by 9.8% as the small electricals category achieved a record week due to customers buying fans during the heatwave. The mobile and photography category also had a strong week, with sales up 46.4%, driven by an offer on the new red iPhone. Apple also helped drive a sales uplift of 13.3% in tablets and computers, with the new iPad proving popular with customers.
Home sales were down 11.3% after sales were impacted by the earlier fall of clearance in 2016. Despite this, the outdoor living category continued its strong performance with sales for the week up 39%.
