John Lewis sales drop amid unpredictable weather and tough comparatives

Weekly sales at the department store fell 0.2% to £72.6m as temperatures ranged from -2°C to 17.5°C, the warmest day recorded this year.

John Lewis said its sales being “broadly level with last year” was a good achievement considering  it was up against price-matching activity from last year, which came a week earlier this year.

Sales within its home department led the way with a 3.1% year-on-year gain as home accessories and gifts sales surged 16.0% up on last year.

Mother’s Day helped boost sales of its gift food and seasonal ranges by 32% and stationery by 11%.

The Mother’s Day theme was reflected by sister company Waitrose, which helped edge up weekly sales at the grocer by 1.2% to £120.4m.

Sales of gift cards rose 57% year-on-year, while Mother’s Day gifts were up 41%.

However, the drag effect of food price deflation continued. Last year a pack of mixed peppers was priced at £2, whereas now the same pack costs £1.

There were early signs of spring last week with the arrival of the first British strawberries in Waitrose shops after a relatively warm winter and high light levels.