John Lewis sales impacted by hot weather and World Cup last week
Sales at the John Lewis department store chain edged down 0.3% year-on-year last week as trading was affected by the heatwave and the World Cup.
Fashion sales rose by 4.6% with the uplift driven by clearance offers, customers shopping for summer clothing and the launch of some new season ranges. The retailer’s own brand Kin was particularly popular with sales up 88% on the same week last year.
Electrical and home technology sales also increased, rising by 3.2%. Sales of small electricals were boosted by the continuing hot weather which sent sales of fans up 234% year-on-year. Fridges recorded double-digit sales growth while TV sales were up 20% due to England’s performance in the World Cup.
However, home sales were down 8.4% in the week although the heatwave continued to boost sales of outdoor furniture and products such as water bottles and low tog duvets. In addition, the retailer’s clearance sale drove a particularly strong performance in the dining table category.
