UK consumers in 2019 waged war on plastic waste, focused more on convenience than ever before and followed the fashion trends they saw on television, according to John Lewis.
The retailer published its annual retail report today, which found that consumers were “more mindful than ever” of the damage plastic does to the environment in 2019, with sales of reusable water bottles up 15%, and portable cutlery soaring 176%.
Sales of reusable, stainless steel straws also increased by 1,573%, ahead of the Government’s planned ban on the sale of plastic straws.
Trading director at John Lewis, Simon Coble, said: “Looking back over the year, it would be wrong not to mention the nation’s growing concern for environment challenges. Our own data paints a picture of shoppers becoming increasingly mindful of the purchases they make.”
John Lewis also noted that 2019 was the “year of cult TV”, with the success of shows such as Fleabag and Peaky Blinders not only driving viewing figures, but fashion sales as well. Sales of the black jumpsuit from Fleabag rose 66%, while flat brimmed cap sales rose 25%.
The retailer also noted a 54% increase in the number of visits to its site from mobile devices, a 12% increase on 2018, and a sign it said that “for everyday purchases, customers expect shopping to be hassle-free, convenient and quick”.
The department store chain noted that customers loved linen bedding, “luxe loungewear”, smart doorbells, premium adult Lego and Dyson Airwarp hair stylers this year.
In terms of what was left behind, John Lewis noted a 20% fall in the sale of landline phones, which have fallen by nearly half since 2015. It also saw a 30% drop in the sale of mantel clocks and a 61% downturn in the sale of clutch bags.
The report comes after what has been a turbulent year for the high street staple.
On October 1 it announced that it would be bringing its department store and Waitrose grocery arms into one business, resulting in the departure of Rob Collins.
Departing chair Sir Charlie Mayfield said the radical restructuring would allow for John Lewis to “break out from the cycle of declining returns that are affecting most established retailers”.
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