John Lewis sales slipped last week as the Tube strike hit demand, while the Ashes drove a strong performance at Waitrose.

John Lewis weekly sales August 8 2015

  • John Lewis sales fall 0.6% last week
  • Fashion sales increase but both home and electricals sales drop
  • Waitrose up 2.2% driven by the Ashes and warmer weather

John Lewis sales slipped 0.6% to £68.62m last week as the Tube strike in London and unseasonable weather hit performance.

While fashion sales were up 2.9% as John Lewis notched up strong performances in both womenswear and menswear, home sales were down 2.3%. Electricals sales fell by the same amount.

Online sales were up 8%, however.

John Lewis director, selling, London and South David Barford said: “Looking ahead we have the first groups of holidaymakers coming back and looking for Back to School inspiration and the next wave of people off on holiday. We have plenty of opportunity to make up some lost ground from last week and to optimise all areas of our offer.”

At sister retailer Waitrose sales were propelled by England’s success in the Ashes and the sunnier weather.

Sales excluding petrol increased 2.2% to £120.29m. Waitrose, sponsors of England Cricket, saw “rising demand for celebratory food and drink” as the Ashes gripped the nation. Premium bottled ale sales were up 35% and speciality beer sales up 49%.

Picnic staples also did well. Sales of Scotch eggs, pork pies and quiches all jumped. Waitrose’s so-called ‘Pimm’s-o-meter’, which it calls a “reliable indicator of the temperature”, showed a huge increase. Sales of the beverage were up 170%.

Outdoor plants were up nearly 10%.