John Lewis sales up 2.1% last week
Sales at John Lewis edged up 2.1% year-on-year last week despite a challenging comparison against strong iPad sales from last year’s launches and a return of the unseasonably warm weather.
The retailer said trade was boosted by increases in sales of Christmas items and gifts across all of its directorates.
Home sales achieved the highest percentage increase on last year at 5% driven by seasonal items such as baubles, decorations and tree lights. Some of the stand-out products included Christmas hampers, Christmas trees and confectionery advent calendars with sales rising by 70%, 24% and 42% respectively. Candles were also popular with customers.
Despite the wet and unusually warm weather, fashion sales grew by 3% helped by good performances in premium beauty, jewellery and watches, and party wear pieces.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Electricals and home technology sales fared less well with sales dipping by 0.8% which was a reflection of last year’s strong iPad sales. However, small electricals put in a strong performance with sales rising by 8% with some of the best percentage increases coming from GHD haircare products and digital cameras.
Online sales rose by 13.4%.
Mark Lewis, online director at John Lewis, said: “It was pleasing to see sales surpass the £100 million mark for the second consecutive week. Looking ahead to Black Friday, we’re hard at work behind the scenes to ensure that our shops, distribution network and johnlewis.com are ready to meet increased demand and offer the high levels of customer service our customers expect.
“In a busy retail market, our Never Knowingly Undersold commitment means that customers can be reassured that they will get the best possible prices together with our market leading guarantees on electrical.”
