John Lewis post-Christmas sales soar 23% but Waitrose slips 2.5%

The department store chain said it had enjoyed an “excellent start to the post-Christmas period”, with sales surpassing £150m for the week to January 2. Comparisons with last year’s figures are slightly distorted as the weekly update includes the first day of Clearance in shops which last year fell into the previous week’s trade.

“After a strong start, with further markdowns live this week, we’re hopeful for a successful Clearance.”

John Lewis buying director of home Christine Kasoulis

However, while sales at John Lewis department stores increased in the week following Christmas, it was a different story for Waitrose, which saw sales fall by 2.5%. The upmarket grocer said sales of meat, fish and frozen products dropped by 5.3% while ambient products also performed poorly, with sales down 4.4%. However, the retailer posted strong sales of premium products, with caviar sales surging by 700% and craft lager Curious Brew up 116%.

Over at John Lewis, the retailer said home sales jumped 17%, with both furniture and textiles and carpets enjoying record weeks, while beds and bedroom saw sales surge 28%.

Fashion also enjoyed a strong performance, with sales up 29% thanks in part to menswear which saw sales jump 44%. The retailer said womenswear had a record week with sales up 27%, driven by both cold weather and new-season products.

Sales of beauty, wellbeing and leisure increased by 24%.

John Lewis buying director of home Christine Kasoulis said: “In terms of channels, it was a very good week for both branches and online. All but one branch beat last year. Johnlewis.com continued its impressive performance at 35% up on last year, with another exceptional week for smartphone traffic.

“After a strong start, with further markdowns live this week, we’re hopeful for a successful Clearance.”