John Lewis sales down 5.1% last week
The John Lewis & Partners department store saw its total sales decline by 5.1% year-on-year last week.
The retailer said the decrease was partly due to there being fewer promotions compared to in the same week last year.
Fashion sales dropped by 6.8% as the week’s milder weather had an impact on cold weather clothing categories. This came despite a good performance in the womenswear category where sales were up 3.7% as customers shopped for clothing for the party season.
Home sales fell by 7.3% although Christmas tree sales were up 21% and Christmas baubles had a record week with sales rising by 19%. The gift food category also had a good week as trading benefited from the Hotel Chocolat and Quality Street brands remaining popular with shoppers.
Meanwhile, electrical and home technology sales edged down 0.9% in the week although sales of Dyson Airwraps helped the small electricals category to put in a good performance.
