John Lewis sales up 6.6% last week as sunshine drove spending
John Lewis saw its sales increase by 6.6% year-on-year last week as the warm weather encouraged shoppers to spend in all three of its buying directorates.
Electricals and home technology sales climbed 6.9% as the heat drove trade in fans and fridges.
Fashion also benefited from the sunshine with sales up 7.3% boosted by good performances in childrenswear, womenswear, and women’s accessories and beauty. Warm weather assortments saw the best of the trade, with sunglasses up 107% on last year.
Home sales grew by 5.5% driven by a 10.5% increase in sales of furniture. The weather also boosted sales of outdoor living products which achieved 52% growth year-on-year.
The retailer’s 150-year anniversary merchandise continued to sell well across all three buying directorates with products from a Molton Brown collaboration being the best sellers so far.
There was a mixed performance in the shops although 14 branches beat their last year’s figures with High Wycombe’s numbers particularly strong. Online sales at johnlewis.com climbed by 23.5%.
Ed Connolly, John Lewis buying director for electricals and home technology, said: “A positive week for the business, as John Lewis’ sales ended 6.6% up against last year.
“This week we have the run into the bank holiday weekend trading opportunity across all categories and our World Cup campaign across digital, print and in shops begins in earnest, so we expect a good week.”
