John Lewis sales down 0.6% last week
John Lewis saw its sales edge down 0.6% year-on-year last week as trade in London was hampered by the tube strike.
In the shops, Newbury was the best performing branch with sales rising by 18% on the same week last year. Other stores reporting good percentage increases included Chester, Tamworth, Sheffield and Croydon.
Meanwhile, online sales climbed by 8%.
Looking at the directorates, fashion sales rose by 2.9% with sales boosted by strong performances in womenswear, menswear and women’s accessories.
Home sales were down 2.3% on last year although the home accessories and gifting category bucked the week’s trend with a positive result of 7.3% on last year.
Electricals and home technology sales also dropped by 2.3% year-on-year, despite buoyant trade in tablets and computers.
David Barford, director of selling, London and South at John Lewis, said: “Looking ahead we have the first groups of holidaymakers coming back and looking for Back to School inspiration and the next wave of people off on holiday. We have plenty of opportunity to make up some lost ground from last week and to optimise all areas of our offer.”
