John Lewis reports flat sales for last week
Sales at John Lewis were flat year-on-year last week as the unseasonably warm weather impacted trading figures.
Fashion sales were the hardest hit with sales down 3.1% as trade slowed in cold weather assortments such as boots and outerwear.
Home sales were 0.9% up on last year boosted by growth in sales of big ticket items particularly furniture. The retailer said early signs of Christmas Shop sales looked promising with sales tracking up on last year alongside a good set of results from other seasonal assortments such as candles and cards.
Electrical and home technology sales edged up 2.3% as mobiles continued to benefit from recent launches. An uplift in vacuum sales helped the small electrical category to finish 5.3% up, while cooking products contributed to a strong performance in large electricals which finished 3.9% up against the same week last year.
Online sales increased by 9.9%.
Ed Connolly, buying director fashion at John Lewis, said: “With our highly anticipated Christmas Annual launching this week and an expected return to the seasonal norm in weather, we expect momentum to build as customers start to prepare for their gift purchasing.”
