John Lewis sales down 2.2% last week
Sales at John Lewis fell by 2.2% year-on-year last week as trade slowed at the weekend due to the hot weather.
However, the department store chain said its clearance sale got off to a good start.
Fashion sales edged down 0.1% despite sales of women’s accessories increasing by 6.8% compared to the same week last year. In addition, sales of new season womenswear products were up 4%.
Home sales declined by 3.7%, although in the coming weeks the retailer expects to see sales of upholstery items increase as ‘special buy’ offers helped drive orders up by 35% last week. Clearance also drove sales of lighting products and beds which rose by 19% and 7.5% respectively. Sales in the gift, cook and dine category were also up, growing by 4%.
Meanwhile, electrical and home technology sales were down 3.4% although sales of TVs continued their good run with large screen items selling particularly well. Other strong performers included vacuum cleaners and mobile phones.
