John Lewis weekly sales up 14.5% as Olympic feelgood factor continues
Sales continued to be strong at John Lewis last week as the feel-good factor generated by the Olympic Games helped to drive sales of sports equipment and London 2012 merchandise.
In the week ending 18 August, sales rose 14.5% on the same week last year despite the hot temperatures in the south which impacted some shops on Saturday.
The best performing shops were the retailer’s Home stores with Poole leading the way with a 40.5% sales increase. Of the full line department stores, Cardiff and Aberdeen were the top performers with sales up 18.7% and 16.5% respectively.
Online sales rose by 40.3% as the retailer experienced strong website traffic and an 85% increase in demand for its Click & Collect service in both Waitrose and John Lewis shops.
Never Miss a Retail Update!John Lewis said that London 2012 fever continued in its shops with Jessica Ennis’s appearance at Sheffield pulling in crowds and helping to drive a healthy increase at the end of the week. London 2012 merchandise sales remained strong and there was also 31% growth in sales of sports equipment as the country entered the transition period between the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Of the buying directorates, electrical and home technology led saw its sales increase by 28.1% driven by strong sales of tablets, televisions and white goods which all achieved double figure increases.
Home sales grew by 7.7% as an improvement in the weather in some areas of the country boosted sales of garden furniture, barbecues and picnicware.
Fashion sales rose by 11.8% with shops reporting a rush on suncare and the remaining summer fashion stock as the UV index rose.
Simon Russell, director of retail operations development at John Lewis, said: “There were no post-Olympic Games blues for customers, with the feel-good factor of 65 medals helping to deliver another winning week!
“With some slightly unsettled weather on the way for bank holiday weekend and the benefit of some exciting new ranges in shops, I am sure we are in for another good week.”
