John Lewis weekly sales up 13.5%
John Lewis increased its sales by 13.5% in the week ending 23 March despite the heavy snow in many parts of the UK.
The retailer said that the cold weather impacted the pattern of sales in both in its stores and online when compared to the equivalent week last year when there was unseasonably hot weather.
Dino Rocos, John Lewis operations director, said: “The breadth of our assortment does, however, support customers continuing to shop with product for all occasions, accessible through our multiple touchpoints. Despite these challenges sales for the week closed very strongly, up 13.5% on last year.”
As the product focus shifted to winter wear with a surge in sales of boots and outerwear, the fashion directorate struggled in the week as customers moved away from buying full-price new season products to last season’s winter products. However, the directorate finished the week 5.3% up on last year boosted by a 15% increase in sales of menswear.
Never Miss a Retail Update!The weather, coupled with the earlier Easter, helped the Home directorate to achieve a 13% increase led by strong sales of accessories and gifts. This was despite strong comparatives from last year when trade was boosted by sales of Jubilee and Olympic products.
Electricals and home technology was the week’s best performing directorate with sales up 22.4% on last year with all areas delivering an uplift on 2012. Small electricals saw the greatest gains with sales across food preparation and coffee machines remaining high.
Online sales at johnlewis.com increased by 20.4% while the best performing branches were the Swindon and Tamworth ‘At Home’ stores were sales were up by 33.7% and 32% respectively.
Rocos added: “We are now facing into Easter and school holidays with an incredibly strong marketing campaign, including the Easter Weekend Event and the Shop Spring daily offers. Availability remains strong across the assortment leaving us well placed to support our customers and maximise trade during this important trading period.”
