Sales at John Lewis department stores rose 3.4% to £80.2m last week in “unseasonably mild” weather.
- Department store sales climb 3.4% over week
- Fashion ahead by 7.1%
- Waitrose sales flat year on year
John Lewis posted a rise in fashion sales of 7.1% in the period to October 3, helped by “stand-out performances” from own-brand lines.
John Lewis retail services director Barry Matheson said: “Cashmere excelled, which bodes well for the seasonal trade ahead, and outerwear performed positively in spite of the less than autumnal temperatures.”
Sales of home goods inched up 0.6% as bedding and fitted furniture performed well.
Despite a “super” launch of the iPhone 6S, 6S+ and Apple Watch, overall performance in electricals and home technology was “grounded by wider sales”. The category was up a “modest” 2.6% over the week.
Revenues at Johnlewis.com were up a “reassuring” 16.1%.
The new branch in Birmingham made a pleasing debut.
Matheson said: “The branch delivered a strong start for fashion, with exciting new brands such as loved&found proving popular, and customers reacted positively to our new self-service led Place to Eat concept.”
Sales at grocery stablemate Waitrose were flat at £124.5m, although the mild weather boosted demand for traditional summery lines such as Pimm’s.
Halloween sales were up 2% versus last year and The Great British Bake Off stimulated demand for baking goods – Waitrose Cooks Homebaking Salted Caramel flavouring climbed 33%.
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