John Lewis sales dropped in a “subdued” week of trading as demand for electrical and fashion items declined.
The department store chain’s sales fell 11.9% in the week to December 14, despite the retailer hosting a series of shopping events across 48 stores, which registered 17.2% and 16% uplifts in sales and footfall respectively in comparisons with last year’s events.
The retailer’s sales declined across all product categories but registered the most substantial decline in electrical and home technology, where sales fell 14.7%.
Fashion sales declined 13.3% despite a 6% uplift in sales of cashmere items, while home sales dropped 6.3%.
Sales at sister retailer Waitrose fell 3.4% year on year, though the grocer’s online portal for festive shopping registered an 18% rise in sales.
Party food, tins of biscuits and wine were also strong sellers during the week as office party season hit full swing.
Across the partnership, sales declined 7.8% to £309.7m.
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