John Lewis sales down 0.6% last week
Sales at the John Lewis department store chain edged down 0.6% year-on-year to £171.4 million last week as adverse weather and heavy snow across the UK impacted footfall.
However, trade picked up towards the end of the week.
While fashion sales were down 1% overall in the week, the retailer’s own brand items had a strong week with sales up 7.6%. In addition, the cashmere category achieved an uplift of 31% while men’s knitwear also performed well.
Home sales were down 2.2% on last year but sales picked up as the week progressed particularly in the Christmas and gift food categories. The cold weather helped the bedding and heating categories where sales were up 7.6% and 281% respectively.
Electricals and home technology sales rose by 1.5% driven by sales in the smart home category. Promotions from Google and Amazon proved popular, as did the Star Wars merchandise which launched last week.
