John Lewis sales fell by 2.4% last week
Sales at the John Lewis department store dropped by 2.4% year-on-year last week.
Although the first week of the company’s clearance sale started well, trade slowed at the weekend due to the return of warmer weather.
Fashion sales were down 0.1% although sales in the womenswear category increased by 4.5%. Sales in the menswear category were also up, rising by 2.9%.
Home sales declined by 3.9% despite a 13% uplift in sales of outdoor furniture. In addition, the clearance sale drove good sales of beds and bedding which were up 22% and 6% respectively.
Electrical and home technology were also down, falling by 4.4%. Sales in the large electricals category increased by 7% due to the popularity of DIY and gardening products. The communications technology also performed well with a 2.8% uplift on the same period last year.
