Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Total sales at John Lewis & Partners were down 10.4% last week (to Saturday November 2) on the same week last year, as the department store group annualised against competitor promotions.
Customer director Craig Inglis commented: “Home sales were down 14.1%. However, customers are decorating their homes and preparing for Christmas earlier than ever with Christmas Shop sales up 22.1%. We have also seen an increase in sales of ‘experience’ gifts, which are up 92% compared to last year.
“Electrical and Home Technology sales were down 2.5%. We did, however, see the wet weather drive laundry sales (up 5%) and the upcoming festive period has boosted sales of cooking appliances (up 6%).
“Fashion sales were down 16.6%. However, sales of beauty and premium accessories were up as customers shopped promotions across these categories.”
Customer browses new decorations in the Christmas Shop, at John Lewis & Partners Oxford Street flagship shop in London, which opened on September 26
