John Lewis sales rise 6.5% last week
John Lewis grew its sales by 6.5% year-on-year last week despite there being only six days of trading compared to seven in the same week last year.
Looking at the two week Easter trading period, the retailer said its performance represented its strongest ever Easter result with sales up 3.9% on 2013.
Electrical and home technology sales climbed by 29.6% with trade on Monday and Saturday being particularly strong. Some of the best performing categories were audio & gaming and vision as the retailer prepared to launch John Lewis branded TVs this week.
Sales within the Home directorate edged up 2.7% boosted by an 18% increase in lighting sales and an Interest Free Credit offer driving trade in ‘big ticket’ items.
Never Miss a Retail Update!In Fashion, sales dropped by 8.9% although childrenswear saw growth of 10% as parents bought new clothes for their children’s return to school after the Easter break.
While online sales rose by 23.3%, the best performing stores were the ‘At Home’ shops in Newbury, Tamworth, and Swindon with the High Wycombe, Milton Keynes and Solihull department stores also achieving strong growth.
Christine Kasoulis, buying director for Home at John Lewis, said: “This weekend sees the launch of our 150-year birthday celebration and the excitement is palpable. All channels are well prepared for what will be a busy bank holiday weekend.”
