John Lewis sales softer last week but half year sales climb 12.9%
John Lewis said it ended an “impressive” half year with a softer performance last week as fewer customers went out shopping due to the spell of hot weather and the opening of the Olympic Games.
In the week ending 28 July, sales rose 6.2% on the same week last year. Electricals and home technology performed well with sales increasing by 22.9% while fashion sales rose 2.8% driven by sales of menswear and sportswear in the run-up to the Games. Home sales fell back by 1.8% with accessories and gifting the star performers. Sales of London 2012 merchandise soared 86%.
John Lewis said its first-half sales had been “highly encouraging” with growth of 12.9%. While the retailer added a number of new shops in the period, growth from its established business was strong.
All three buying directorates succeeded in their respective markets with the best performance coming from electricals and home technology where sales increased by over 31.8%. Fashion sales rose 7.2% led by nursery and babywear. Accessories and beauty also performed well helped by the retailer’s investment in its flagship shop in London’s Oxford Street. Home sales increased by 6.2%.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Online sales at jl.com climbed over 40% as all product categories benefited from improvements in fulfilment and the doubling of the retailer’s click & collect business.
Andy Street, managing director at John Lewis, said: “We go into the second half with confidence provided by strong momentum. We’re on course to sell huge quantities of London 2012 merchandise this week, and will I’m sure benefit indirectly from our small part in The Games; a remarkable achievement for our country.”
