John Lewis sales down 1.4% last week
John Lewis saw its sales dip by 1.4% year-on-year last week despite a good performance from seasonal assortments.
Fashion sales rose by 2.9% with sales in all of the key areas either level or up. The best performance came from women’s accessories and beauty where sales climbed by 4.3%, with women’s shoes achieving a double percentage increase at 15.9%.
Home sales edged up 2.7% boosted by a 32.4% uplift in sales of seasonal gifts. Lighting sales were also buoyant, rising by 7.3%, while fitted furniture and upholstery sales increased by 19.2% and 8.1% respectively.
Meanwhile, sales in the electrical and home technology category fell by 8.4% although small electrical sales achieved a 13.1% year-on-year gain.
Online sales rose by 12.7%.
David Barford, John Lewis director of selling, for London and South, said: “There is a hint of spring in the air and this is reflected in the sales of our new season related lines. Easter is approaching and this offers us an opportunity to capture sales across all areas as customers prepare for spring, the school holidays and all things fashion and Home and leisure related.”
