Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
John Lewis benefited from warm weather and Mother’s Day gifting in the week to March 29, with sales up 5.9% on last year.
Director of merchandising operations Jon Williams said: “This was particularly pleasing when you consider we were up against good numbers on the run-up to Good Friday. The fine weather over the weekend allowed customers to dream about spending more time outside.”
This was reflected in a significant increase in Outdoor Living sales. “Outdoor Living performed best of all as the promise of sunshine came through and sales rose 117% against last year,” he said. Home and EHT (Electricals & Home Technology) sales also did well, up 20% and 28% respectively. Footfall was up in branches and online had its best week of the half, taking 31% of all assortment sales.
Jon Williams concluded: “With the blue skies feeling like they are here to stay (for a few days at least!), and the school holidays upon us, we are well set for the all-important Easter trading weeks.”
