John Lewis has reported like-for-like sales up 7.6% over Christmas in the five weeks to January 1.

Total sales were £545m, up 8.9% compared with last year.

Compared with two years ago, total sales were 26.2% up, and like-for-likes grew by 21.7%.

Electricals and home technology sales were up 14.4%. Fashion, including beauty, was up 8.7% while home increased by 4.7%. The retailer said it gained market share in all categories.

Online sales were up 42%, and have now reached £500m for the year to date, the first time this milestone has been passed.

Andy Street, managing director of John Lewis, said: “Sales during both Christmas and Clearance have been outstanding. We have broken records for the biggest week (£121m) and biggest day (£27.8m) as well as hitting a key milestone (£500m for the year) for our online trade.

“Our success confirms our strength as a multichannel retailer. This capability was particularly important during the adverse weather. Online sales soared during the first snowfall as customers struggled to get to the shops.

“When the weather turned for a second time closer to Christmas, shoppers wanted the reassurance of having their goods in their hands and our shops saw sales surge as a result. Our success can be attributed to the service delivered by our Partners, inspiring products and excellent value through our ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ commitment. This winning formula will continue to be our focus throughout 2011.”

The fifth week of the period to January 1 saw sales of £106.4m and 4.6% up.



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