Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
John Lewis finished last week (to March 26) with total sales up 10.4% year-on-year to £85.2m.
The department store group’s director of selling David Barford noted that the fall of Easter week provided a strong backdrop to this performance.
He said sales in Home were up 8.5%, with sales of gift and home accessories (largely Easter decorations and chocolate) the main sellers. Other highlights throughout the week included cookshop, upholstery, outdoor living and stationary.
Sales in Electricals & Home Technology (EHT) were up 19.1%, driven by a strong set of results in vision, audio and connected home. Communications Technology had a good week too, with tablets and computers proving popular.
In Fashion, sales were up 4.9%, with menswear the stand-out performer at 12.1%. David Barford commented: “While the cold weather continues to be a challenge, sales of women’s casualwear and collaborations were a highlight.”
He continued: “With Easter now behind us, and the weather set to improve, we are in a strong position to showcase our Spring collection.”
