John Lewis sales down 8.3% last week due to warmer weather
John Lewis saw its sales decline by 8.3% year-on-year last week due to unseasonably mild weather and the fact it was price matching a competitor in the corresponding week last year.
Warmer weather led the department store’s fashion sales to plunge by 11.1% as customers shied away from winter clothing items. However, sales of premium women’s accessories were up 11% in the week with watches and shoes performing particularly well.
Electrical and home technology sales fell by 2.8% despite there being uplifts in the mobile, small electrical and hardware accessory categories.
Meanwhile, home sales were down 11.2% as sales were again impacted by the weather. However, sales in the gift food category were up 6.3% in the period. The retailer said its personalised Quality Street tins were particularly popular with shoppers.
