John Lewis benefits from ‘robust’ bank holiday trade
John Lewis said that robust bank holiday Monday and mid-week trade resulted in a 7.1% increase in sales for the week ending 3 September.
Electricals and home technology had a strong week with sales up 12% and fashion sales were up 7.7% due to a last minute rush to buy schoolwear for the new term.
Home also performed well with sales up by 2.6% helped by strong sales of the new season’s stock of decorative accessories and lighting.
Of the stores, Trafford was the best performer with sales up 18% on last year, and John Lewis said that four of the other 15 branches bettered last year by posting double-digit gains.
Online sales at Johnlewis.com achieved a 38.1% increase on last year and took their second-highest sterling amount since the full trading year began.
Lesley Ballantyne director of Operational Development at John Lewis said the retailer was looking forward to the opening of its new store at Westfield Stratford City next week saying: “The shop looks stunning and is something for the division to be truly proud of. A big thank you to the many Partners who have contributed to this terrific achievement. Best of luck Team Stratford for Tuesday.”
