Snow hits trade at John Lewis as sales rise 6.7% last week
John Lewis said its sales growth was held back last week as snow hit much of the UK.
In the week ending 19 January, sales were up 15% going into Friday but momentum slowed at the weekend when snow pushed into Wales and England. Despite a quiet Friday and Saturday, sales grew by 6.7% overall during the week.
Online sales at johnlewis.com rose by 40.3% as many customers chose to stay at home to do their shopping. Of those shops missing the worst of the weather, Glasgow led the way with sales up 9.2% followed by Oxford Street and Trafford.
Electricals and home technology sales were up 29.6% in the week due to strong sales of tablets, audio streaming equipment, cameras and televisions. Juicers were also popular as customers began their New Year detox regimes.
Never Miss a Retail Update!Sales of homewares and furniture edged up 1.7% driven by strong trade in lighting and bedding.
Fashion was the worst affected by the reduced footfall resulting in a 6.8% fall in sales although the new season’s lines were well received by customers.
Simon Russell, director of retail operations development, said: “As our financial year comes to an end this week, Partners can look back with real pride at a year that has delivered sound growth, despite a retail environment that has brought plenty of challenges and change for retail.
“2013 will be just as challenging and I am sure that the continued efforts and power of many committed and passionate partners around the business will stand us in good stead for the year ahead.”
