John Lewis sales down 1.7% last week
Sales at the John Lewis department store chain fell by 1.7% year-on-year last week despite the warm weather encouraging customers to update their summer wardrobes.
Fashion sales were up 3.7% as trade was driven by a strong week in womenswear and women’s accessories. The week’s good weather boosted sales of warm weather clothing which soared by 30%. Sandals were also popular with sales rising by 36%.
Home sales were down 1.8% in the week, although it was a record week for outdoor living with sales up 94% on last year as customers bought new garden furniture and barbecues. Beds also had a good week of trade.
Meanwhile, electrical and home technology sales dropped by 6.2% due to the annualising of strong promotions in the same week last year. Sales within the small electricals category, however, were strong driven by a 278% uplift in sales of fans and cooling products.
