Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Sales at department store group John Lewis dipped by 0.3% to £62.86m in the week to March 16 – but home departments had a solid performance and, around the branches, ‘at homes’ led the way.
Buying & brand director Peter Ruis described the seven days as “a solid trading week in cash terms, but a slower run rate than we’ve been enjoying” due to the figures being pitted against Mother’s Day and an iPad launch last year. He also cited this year’s “extended winter weather” as a factor.
Electrical and home technology was the best performing area, powered by small electricals up 38%, while fashion had the toughest trading.
At 2.1% up, home departments had “another solid week,” he said. Cooking and Dining and Home Accessories and Gifting were impacted by the comparison to Mother’s Day last year, however.
Around the branches, ‘at homes’ led the way in terms of weekly percentage sales increases with Tamworth up 27%, Swindon up 17% and Poole up 6.5%.
Peter Ruis said: “With Easter on the horizon, our marketing campaign launching this week and availability in a really strong position, we’re well set for a good result over this important trading period.”
