John Lewis reported a decline in its sales as the department store chain’s fashion and electrical category rises were offset by falling home sales.

John Lewis York Queue

John Lewis York Queue

John Lewis’s home category reported a 1.5% fall in sales

The retailer recorded a 0.2% drop year-on-year to £74.9m in the seven days to February 18.

The department store retailer attributed the decline to a drop in its home category, which saw a 1.5% fall in sales, although sales in its home accessories and gifts division rose 8.5% as Valentine’s Day shoppers snapped up purchases.

Fashion sales at the retailer were up 1.4% as sales of its upmarket own-brand label drove purchases, while sales of beauty, wellbeing and leisure products jumped 11.2%, which the retailer also attributed to Valentine’s Day.

Electrical and home technology sales edged up 0.4%, driven by sales of communication tech products, which were up 6%, and strong demand for Apple Mac products.

Melons

Sales across the partnership were up 4.2% overall, driven by growth at John Lewis’s sister retailer Waitrose.

Sales at the grocer were up 7% excluding fuel to £128.4m, driven by a 36% rise in confectionery, a 78% leap in flower sales and an 83% jump in sparkling wine purchases.

Fruit also had a strong week as sales of cherries and melons soared 90% and 24% respectively.