John Lewis weekly sales up 9.9%
John Lewis has reported another strong week of trade driven by an uplift in sales of technology items such as iPads and e-readers.
Overall, sales at the department store chain rose 9.9% in the week to 23 June as its new technology offer drove a 28.2% increase in sales of electrical and home technology products. Sales in the new communication technology department increased by 78.2 %, powered by the retailer’s largest-ever week for Apple product sales and a 20% rise in sales of e-readers.
Fashion sales benefited from the start of the Clearance, with a 6.9% increase on the same week last year. Womenswear sales rose 9.9% while sales of menswear increased by 6.8%. Sales in the Home directorate edged up slightly at 1.6%, helped by a 9.8% rise in accessory and gift sales.
Online sales at johnlewis.com delivered a 36.1% increase, with good performances in all areas and in particular communication technology where sales rose 93% on the same week last year. The retailer’s click & collect service continues to be popular as volumes last week equalled those seen in peak Christmas trading last year.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Of the shops, Poole achieved the biggest increase delivering a rise of 26.8% on the same week last year. This was followed by Swindon at 13.7% and Trafford at 7.3%.
Peter Ruis, buying and brand director, John Lewis said: “As preparations for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games get into full swing, the partners in Stratford also deserve a special mention for holding on to their trade as disruption around the Olympic Park inevitably ramps up.
With three days under our belt, it’s a little too early to call our Clearance performance, but good availability and second markdowns at the end of the week give us a great opportunity for another strong week of trade.”
