Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Characterised by the final Black Friday promotions on Sunday and Monday driving sales, trading at John Lewis last week (to December 3) was “positive”, according to online trade director Mark Felix.
Sales for the department store group totalled £172.1 million, up 3.9% year-on-year. Mark said: “There were fewer promotions outside of the Black Friday period compared with last year, which influenced fashion and home sales, but customers were preparing their homes for Christmas by buying extra beds and pillows.”
Home sales were down 1.4% on the year. However furniture sales were up 7.7% as customers started to prepare for Christmas guests; inflatable beds were up 116%, sofa beds rose 36% and the retailer’s best-selling pillow increased 18% on last year.
In gift food, candy canes, gingerbread men and giant chocolate coins all entered the top selling products list for the first time.
EHT (Electricals & Home Technology) continued to benefit from Black Friday promotions, with sales up 14.9%. Particularly strong were Audio and Connected Home products, with Sonos, Apple and Samsung among the biggest-selling brands.
Mark noted: “Last week we opened two Nespresso boutiques in Peter Jones and John Lewis Kingston, which were incredibly busy selling both coffee machines and coffee capsules.”
He added: “This week, My John Lewis customer events and a Double Points promotion on our Partnership Card means there are plenty of reasons for customers to shop.”
