Mother’s Day helps John Lewis to a 12.9% sales uplift last week
The earlier fall of Mother’s Day this year helped John Lewis to achieve a 12.9% year-on-year sales uplift last week as customers bought last minute gifts.
The retailer said it was a “phenomenal” week for click and collect trade which resulted in sales at johnlewis.com rising by 23.2%.
It was also a busy week in the shops with the Exeter, Chichester, Chester and Stratford City stores achieving some of the biggest percentage increases.
At a directorate level, home led the way with an increase of 18.4% on last year as Mother’s Day buying boosted sales of gift food and gift collections. In addition, there were strong sales in fitted furniture and customers responded well to the retailer’s ‘Wake up to White’ promotion in textiles.
In fashion, sales climbed by 17.4% driven by buoyant trade in beauty products, women’s accessories and handbags. Menswear sales were also strong.
Meanwhile, electricals and home technology sales edged up 4.8% helped by the launch of an exclusive new Dyson dehumidifier.
John Lewis’s Maggie Porteous said: “The earlier fall of Mother’s Day this year makes comparisons tricky to read, but there is no doubt that gift buying last week propelled us to a super double figure of 12.9% on last year.
“The days are getting warmer, the evenings are getting lighter and spring is definitely in the air. Our customers’ thoughts will be turning to Easter pursuits, with the school holiday period just a couple of weeks away. They may be considering home improvements or going on holiday; we will be able to help them prepare for their chosen Easter activity.”
