John Lewis sales down 7.1% last week
The John Lewis department store chain saw its sales decline by 7.1% year-on-year last week due to poor weather and the annualising of Easter promotions in the same week last year.
Electricals and home technology sales edged up 0.2% as the retailer enjoyed strong sales in the mobile and photo categories. The large electricals category also performed well.
Fashion sales dropped by 9.2% despite an uplift of 14% in the own brand womenswear category. This included respective increases of 50% and 30% for the Kin and Modern Rarity brands. In addition, sales of cold weather fashion items were up 3% on last year.
Meanwhile, home sales fell by 12.9% as the poor weather impacted trade although the retailer’s new Summer Party range got off to a strong start after launching in branches. The retailer’s latest home style collection, The World Traveler, also put in a good performance as did the lighting category.
