John Lewis sales down 6.2% last week
John Lewis saw its sales decline by 6.2% year-on-year last week as the World Cup and Wimbledon impacted the department store’s trade.
Fashion sales fell by 3.5% despite the womenswear category having a good week with sales up 5.6%. Sales in the retailer’s own-brand category performed particularly well with an uplift of 29.4% as the new Kin collection saw sales increase by 103%. Elsewhere, the hot weather continued to drive sales of warm weather clothing which rose by 14%.
Home sales were down 11% in the week although the summer merchandise category achieved strong sales with a rise of 11%. Sales of outdoor furniture rose by 9% while sales of hydration products, including reusable water bottles, increased by 24%. Beach towels were also popular as customers prepared to head off on their summer holidays.
Electrical and home technology sales declined by 4.6%, although the vision category put in a good performance driven by sales of TVs. Trade in the small electricals category was boosted by strong sales of cooling products and air purifiers.
