Sales at John Lewis were up 1.6 per cent in the week to August 30, driven by back-to-school sales and a strong performance in electricals and technology.
John Lewis, which opened its 27th department store at Leicesterâs Highcross Quarter yesterday, said it had a good start to the week, but that the sunny Saturday meant people stayed away and the momentum was not maintained.
John Lewis said the week was representative of an âimproving position, with stronger trade than the previous two weeks.â Six branches increased sales on last year.
Cambridge, Liverpool and Brent Cross were up on budget. The Trafford store achieved both its last year and budget targets.
John Lewis merchandise director Jill Little said: âAs we enter September, back to school trade is key, with sales in shoes and schoolwear adding significant value to the business.â
Childrenâs shoes are performing ahead of last year and childrenswear had a good performance last week, Little added. Beauty was up in excess of 8 per cent on last year.
She added that the âbig successâ during the week was in electricals and home technology, which was up 5.6 per cent on last year.
John Lewis has launched its autumn home collection and the retailer expects âimprovingâ trade over the coming weeks.
Waitrose increased sales by 1.8 per cent during the same week toÂŁ72.46 million, with promotions making a strong start after the summer break.
Total sales at the John Lewis Partnership, which will announce its interim update on Thursday, were up1.7 per cent toÂŁ122.83 million during the period.
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