Sales at John Lewis department stores rose 3.4% to £80.2m last week in “unseasonably mild” weather.

John Lewis weekly sales October 9 2015

  • 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%.