John Lewis posted a fall in sales last week as customers snapped up fashion items but held back on electricals purchases.
The department store chain’s sales fell 2.1% to £151.8m in the seven days to December 10.
After notching up impressive electricals sales during its Black Friday promotions, electricals and home technology sales slumped 8.3% as discounts from the retailer slowed.
By contrast, fashion sales were up 1.2% overall, driven by womenswear, which saw sales of partywear items rise 7.2%.
Menswear sales were up 3.3% as shoppers snapped up the department store’s own-brand cashmere jumpers.
Beauty, wellbeing and leisure sales increased 2%, driven by Liz Earle gift sets.
John Lewis’s home sales were flat overall despite furniture sales and upholstery rising 6.9% and 16% respectively.
The department store chain said “Christmas Day falling on a Sunday this year means that customers have a full extra day shopping and are likely to leave their purchases to the last minute, as we’ve seen in previous years.”
Waitrose
John Lewis’s sister retailer Waitrose reported a 0.2% dip in sales to £146.8m, despite seasonal meat sales soaring 107% and slow-cooked meat range purchases climbing 54%.
Festive preparations were in full swing, as Christmas tree sales rose 9% year-on-year and party food orders were up 7%.
However, ambient food sales dropped 1.1% during the period, hurting the grocer’s overall sales.
Across the Partnership, sales were down 1.2% to £298.6m.
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