John Lewis reports busy start to clearance sale
John Lewis increased its sales by 3.2% year-on-year last week as the retailer enjoyed a busy start to its clearance sale.
In the shops, a new trial for an exclusive sale preview for ‘My John Lewis’ customers was popular, although warmer temperatures on Saturday impacted footfall.
The Exeter, Ipswich and Cardiff stores achieved the best uplifts against the previous year while the newly opened Horsham ‘At Home’ branch saw its fashion and home sales exceed expectations.
The retailer said there were some “exceptional” peaks in website traffic at the start of the sale, which helped online sales to climb by 24.3% in the week.
In the directorates, fashion saw the best percentage increase at 7.8%, with children’s shoes and branded elements of both menswear and womenswear performing particularly well. Sales of swimwear and sports items were also significantly ahead of last year.
Home sales edged up 3% boosted by a strong performance from outdoor living where sales climbed by 36%. Floor coverings also put in a standout performance with sales up 35% on last year.
Meanwhile, electricals and home technology saw its sales decline by 1.3% although the small electricals category achieved an increase of 11.3%.
Simon Russell, director, retail operations development at John Lewis, said: “Clearance bargains are selling well this week and understandably we are also seeing a sharp spike in demand for warm weather merchandise. Overall we are well placed with some great cooling, outdoor living and game products.”
