John Lewis weekly sales up 16.2%
Department store chain John Lewis saw its weekly sales rise by 16.2% last week as the arrival of the cooler autumn weather drove customers to its stores.
In the week ending 6 October, the retailer’s ‘at home’ shops performed particularly well with double-digit sales increases, as did the Norwich, Oxford Street and Reading shops where sales rose by 17.6%, 14.4%, and 14% respectively compared to the same week last year. Online sales at johnlewis.com continued to grow strongly with an increase of 45.8% in the week.
The retailer said trade across its buying groups was “well balanced” with all three delivering sales increases on the same week last year.
Fashion was the best performer with sales rising 20.4% as customers updated their autumn wardrobes with the arrival of the cooler weather. The retailer’s own brand ranges performed particularly strongly with Mens’ Own Brand, Collection by John Lewis, and Temperley ranges continuing to sell well in the week.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Electrical and home technology sales rose 19%, driven by strong sales of communication technology products.
Sales within Home buying group increased by 10.9% boosted by a 7% rise in sales of furniture and a 29% increase in bedlinen sales as customers bought new bedding in preparation for the colder winter nights.
In addition, John Lewis launched its Christmas Shops in the week and prepared for the launch of the first of its new format full line department stores which opened in Exeter today.
Commenting on the new store Paula Nickolds, John Lewis buying director for home, said: “The collaboration and pace of working required to reach opening day is nothing short of extraordinary, and the shop represents an exciting and brave development for John Lewis which we can feel incredibly proud of. Let’s hope the residents of Exeter are equally excited about becoming regular John Lewis customers!”
