John Lewis sales up 7.5% last week
John Lewis said it enjoyed solid growth across all of its buying directorates last week as total sales rose 7.5% on the same week last year.
The increase follows a drop in sales of in the previous week which was impacted by strong comparatives from last year’s Jubilee Bank holidays.
Father’s Day drove footfall across all three buying directorates while sales of Father’s day cards were 45% up on last year.
Despite the mixed week of weather, sales of outdoor furniture soared by 116% helping to drive a 5% sales increase in the home directorate overall. Bed and upholstery sales were also buoyant, rising by 29% and 48% respectively.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Fashion sales grew 8.5% on last year, boosted by the retailer matching a competitor’s sale prices through its Never Knowingly Undersold commitment. There were also strong sales of handbags, men’s own brand fashion and girlswear in the week.
Electricals and home technology posted the biggest growth on last year with sales climbing 9.9%. Large electrical and small electrical continued to outperform last year with sales up by 17.8% and 15.6% respectively. A three-year guarantee offer helped deliver an 8.4% increase in computing sales.
John Lewis said its Orla Kiely Home pop-up shops had been well received by customers during the last five weeks and had driven a strong sales performance. The retailer is now planning to launch a a Special Buy Home pop-up shop to highlight key items on sale during Clearance.
Within the stores, the Nottingham branch achieved the best increase on last year with sales rising by 14.6%, followed by Tamworth, up 14.4% and Trafford, up 14%.
Online sales at johnlewis.com rose by 18.8%.
Paula Nickolds, buying director for the John Lewis home directorate, said: “Clearance has now launched across all assortments, with a strong Special Buy collection as well as reduced items, and we will look to maximise the opportunity over these key weeks, by maintaining the momentum throughout Clearance.”
