John Lewis sales down 5.3% last week
Sales at John Lewis & Partners fell by 5.3% year-on-year last week due to the majority of its department stores being closed on Easter Sunday and the impact of warm weather on footfall.
Fashion sales dropped by 9.5% although the womenswear accessories category performed well after the weather encouraged customers to buy sunglasses and summer shoes. The John Lewis & Partners sunshine yellow trench coat also proved very popular, with sales up 89% on the week before.
Home sales were down 6.8% in the week but cookware sales climbed by 6% as shoppers took advantage of Easter promotions.
Electrical and home technology sales edged up 1.5% following a 6% sales uplift in the communication technology category. The small electricals category also put in a strong performance with sales up 15.8% as the retailer benefited from strong demand for the Dyson Air Wrap.