John Lewis weekly sales up 4.4%
John Lewis saw a 4.4% increase in sales year-on-year in the week ending 3 March as the retailer benefited from strong sales of technology items.
Sales of electrical and home technology products were up 16.4% on last year with iPads and computers selling particularly well. Vision sales climbed 37% due to trade driven by the digital switchover.
Fashion edged up 0.3% with the strongest sales coming from nursery, men’s formalwear and men’s accessories, while home sales were up 0.5% with good business coming from beds, living and dining, and lighting.
Sales of gift food increased by 32.4% as the retailer benefited from the earlier fall of Easter this year.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Online sales continued to perform strongly, up 29.2% on last year, with standout performances from womenswear, up 41%, and coffee machines, up 140%.
Of the shops High Wycombe, Reading and Watford were the best performers with sales up by 8.8%, 3.4% and 2.2% respectively.
Peter Ruis, buying & brand director at John Lewis said: “With stocks and availability in a good position, assortments which are really resonating with customers, and competitor activity that will allow us to show Never Knowingly Undersold in action, we are well placed to continue this performance in the week ahead.”
