John Lewis sales up 4.4% last week
John Lewis saw its sales increase by 4.4% year-on-year last week as it benefited from the more seasonal weather.
Stores with strong performances ahead of last year included Ipswich, Swindon and Leicester where sales rose by 13.8%, 9.4% and 8.8% respectively. Other stores finishing well included Chester and Croydon. Online sales climbed by 13.1%.
Fashion sales increased by 5.8% as trade in new season merchandise in womenswear and menswear was helped by the cooler weather.
David Barford, director of selling, London and South at John Lewis, said: “We had some great double percentage results from within the Menswear assortments with Men’s Own Brand at 16.6% up, Men’s Branded Casualwear at 14.8% up and Men’s Formalwear at 10.3% up.”
Electricals and home technology sales also performed well with sales rising by 5.2%. Categories achieving some of the best percentage increases included communication technology and electricals.
The home directorate finished 2.6% up with a strong run from textiles and carpets where sales rose by 6.8%. The home accessories and gifts category also performed well with a 3% uplift supported by new season collections and Christmas assortments.
