John Lewis weekly sales up 8.8%
John Lewis said that robust sales of large electrical products and tablet computers helped to drive an 8.8% increase in sales last week resulting in a “strong” August for the retailer.
In the week ending 25 August, the electrical and home technology directorate saw sales rise by 20% as strong promotions in large electricals delivered an uplift of 27%. In addition, trade-in deals continued to drive higher sales in vacuums while sales of tablet computers were also strong.
In Fashion sales were up 5.8% as menswear and sportswear led the way with a 10.8% uplift on the year. Sales of men’s casual brands rose 13% with the Polo Ralph Lauren and Diesel brands delivering high double-digit increases on the year.
Aside from core London 2012 ranges, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games continued to benefit sales in sports equipment with sales of table tennis and exercise bikes driving a 31% increase.
Never Miss a Retail Update!A week-on-week lift of 45% in ‘House by John Lewis’ helped home sales to a 3.4% increase. Sales of beds and bedroom furniture were up 16% while gifts sales rose by 9%.
Matt McCormack, buying director for fashion, said: “The bank holiday spirit drove a healthy increase of 8.8%, which was a solid end to a strong August for John Lewis.”
