John Lewis fashion sales have risen due to the recent cool weather, with womenswear sales leading the increase as outerwear brands sold strongly.
Sales at the department store chain rose 9.6% to £87.96m in the week to October 1, the ninth week of the retailer’s second half.
The first nine weeks of the half were up 1.9% year-on-year.
John Lewis electrical home and technology buying director Johnathan Marsh said that all three categories had performed well as customers tried out new season product.
He said: ”Sales in Fashion were up 8.6% with the cooler weather supporting an increase across our different product areas. Womenswear performed strongly, up 18.6%, with outerwear brands such as Barbour selling well. Our latest own brand range, modern rarity, continues to do well, particularly in knitwear.”
He added that lighting performed strongly as the nights drew in as overall home sales did well, up 7%.
Electrical, home and technology was boosted by new product launches, with sales rising 15.1%. The new iPhone launch helped communications technology to rise 30.6%.
Marsh added that John Lewis’ new store in Chelmsford received “a fantastic reception” from customers.
Last of the summer sales
At Waitrose sales rose 2.1% to £127m in the same week. In the nine weeks they rose 3.9%. This was against tough comparables due to the late fall of a half price event in 2015.
Marketing director Rupert Thomas said: “Customers enjoyed the last rays of late summer sun with food and drink more usually associated with earlier in the year.
“Sales of wine rose by 15% during the week, with Waitrose Prosecco, Cava and Pinot Grigio among the bestsellers. Sales of gin fizzed up 16% and frozen dessert sales jumped by 17%.”
Waitrose opened a new convenience store in Kent’s Hawkhurst and unveiled its new Heston from Waitrose line, in partnership with chef Heston Blumenthal. The range comprises nearly 60 products, 10 of which are new, and a new design.
Waitrose unveiled its new Heston from Waitrose line, in partnership with chef Heston Blumenthal. The range comprises nearly 60 products, 10 of which are new
Overall, partnership sales rose 5.1% to £214.96m in the week with the nine weeks up 3.1% on last year.
John Lewis managing director Andy Street resigned last week, in his bid to become the first mayor of the West Midlands. He will depart at the end of this month. The retailer will open its biggest ever store in Leeds in a fortnight’s time.
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