John Lewis department store sales slipped last week due to low demand in its home category.

Home sales fell 6.9% in the seven days to February 3, driving down the performance of the entire department store, which slipped 0.2%.  

The retailer said continuing shopper interest in TVs and smart speakers prompted an uptick of 4.1% in electricals. 

Fashion performed strongly, it said, thanks to beauty, wellbeing and leisure sales jumping 9.5% year on year. 

John Lewis also highlighted a 53% spike in its private clothing label Kin. 

Overall fashion sales rose 2.3%.

Waitrose

Sales at upmarket grocer Waitrose grew 1.6% year on year last week, with Valentine’s Day shopping cited as the main driver.

The grocer hailed a strong week in gifts and Champagne ahead of the holiday, as well as blossoming sales in indoor plants – up 40%. 

Across the partnership, sales edged up 0.9% year on year to £198m.

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