John Lewis sales up 6.3% last week
John Lewis said there was a mixed picture for trade last week as sales rose by 6.3% year-on-year.
Although the unseasonably warm weather affected trade in the stores, online sales were strong at 25.9% up on last year.
Sales were down in many of the shops compared with the same week last year. Those achieving the biggest percentage increases included Newbury and Poole where sales rose by 22.6% and 13.8% respectively.
Looking at the directorates, home sales climbed by 11.8% boosted by strong trade in furniture and a 40% uplift in bed sales. Floor coverings also performed well.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Fashion sales edged up 1.9% as demand for the retailer’s autumn/winter ranges was impacted by the warmer weather.
Meanwhile, electricals and home technology sales rose by 6.3% driven by strong trade in tablets and computers.
Maggie Porteous, John Lewis director of selling, north and new format, said: “This week we see schools breaking up for half term across the country, the traditional start of customers’ minds turning to Christmas. And across John Lewis we are all set, with the shops sparkling with their new Christmas decorations, the Christmas Annual now being read across the country and our contact centres and distribution centres all ready for the uplift in activity.”
