Department store business John Lewis provided a benchmark for the retail cheer-o-meter last weekend, reporting growing shopper numbers on Sunday - up 20 per cent on the previous weekend.
Retail operations director Gareth Thomas said Saturday's sales were down 13 per cent year on year, as the Rugby World Cup final distracted the nation. However, trade recovered across the 26-strong chain on Sunday, up 6 per cent year on year and 20 per cent week on week.
'There are four weeks to go (until Christmas) and we've got an awful lot of money to take,' said Thomas. 'In the peak fortnight before Christmas we need to hit£80 million sales each week.'
Orange confirmed predictions of a 'bumper' Christmas for mobile phone retailers, revealing November sales up 50 per cent on last year.
Halfords, purveyor of bicycles - a traditional Christmas favourite - also reported encouraging trading.
Meanwhile, Woolworths will open just one store on Christmas Day this year in Asian stronghold Southall.
- Comment: page 11.
No comments yet