John Lewis reported strong market share gains in its full year as sales rose 7.4% and 16 stores delivered record years.
Sales in its second half were up 8%.
“By any measure that’s a pleasing outcome as it represents a decisive gain in market share,” said John Lewis managing director Andy Street.
“Our story again has been one of bricks-and-clicks success, and last week was no different,” said Street. “Johnlewis.com continued to lead as if to underline what a powerhouse online has become for us.”
However, he said the multichannel retailer’s stores achieved their best full-year like-for-like growth since the onset of the recession. A total of 16 shops delivered record years.
Street said John Lewis rounded off its trading year in “fine style” as sales at the department store group rose 12.7% last week, to £66.67m. He added that the retailer was helped by weak comparables – snow fell this time last year.
All shops saw a sales uplift last week, with strong performances in particular from Cambridge, Tamworth and Tunbridge Wells. Last week all three buying directorates “ended on robust form”, according to Street. Home led the way with “powerful scores from the heavyweight furnishing departments, perhaps heralding the housing market recovery”, Street said.
Electricals and home technology were “closely behind” while accessories and childrenswear were strong performers in fashion. Over the year, electricals achieved the greatest market share gains, although all categories grew their share.
“We go into the new trading year with a precious commodity: momentum. Moreover, we have lots of plans to stand out from the crowd in 2014,” Street added.
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