John Lewis sales down 2.1% last week
Sales at the John Lewis department store chain were down 2.1% year-on-year last week as trade slowed from the peak of the Black Friday period.
With Christmas Day falling on a Sunday this year, the retailer said customers would have a full extra day’s shopping before the big day which meant that many would leave their purchases until the last minute.
Fashion sales rose by 1.2% last week boosted by a 7.2% increase in womenswear sales. Cashmere items were popular with both sexes and helped menswear to a 3.3% uplift in sales.
In home, sales were flat year-on-year although furniture continued its strong run-rate with an increase of 6.9%. Sales of dining chairs and dining tables climbed by 21% and 48% respectively as customers prepared their homes for guests. Upholstery also put in a good performance with sales up 16% due to customers ordering sofas before the retailer’s final cut-off date for Christmas delivery.
Electricals and home technology had a tougher week with sales down 8.3% year-on-year. The retailer said the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer was the category’s bestselling product during the week.
