Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
John Lewis sales fell 5.2% to £59.8m in the week to June 8, as the department store group traded against last year’s very wet and cold extended Jubilee bank holiday and half term.
John Lewis buying & brand director Peter Ruis said: “The impact of all these seasonal variations was particularly felt in our shops, resulting in an overall figure down 5.2% on the year. However, it’s worth noting we’re up 12% on two years ago when the fall of the calendar was more similar.”
He continued: “Home, down 8.9% on the year, was arguably the most impacted by seasonal factors. Unsurprisingly, this week last year saw our peak week in sales of Jubilee merchandise, particularly affecting the comparisons in Cook & Dine and Home Accessories and Gifts.”
“Meanwhile, customers really responded to our most weather-dependent ranges with strong results in Outdoor Living, up 26%, Barbecues up 23% and Picnicware up 17%.”
Online sales held their momentum, growing 45% as clothing, electricals and click and collect drove performance.
“With Clearance just a week away, our attention now moves to making the most of this trading opportunity,” Peter Ruis concluded.
