John Lewis sales down

John Lewis disclosed this morning that sales have fallen in the week to October 8, in contrast with strong turnover the previous week. However, the partnership is optimistic about the festive season and has increased stocks of toys.

Sales of both men's and women's clothing plummeted. Turnover at the menswear, leisure and beauty category was down by 0.2 per cent, against a strong comparable figure of 6.9 per cent the preceding week. Womenswear fared slightly better but sales were still slow from 1.6 per cent to -6.0 per cent for the week ending October 8.

The retailer blamed mild weather for the downturn and said the autumn/winter collection had yet to sell, as boots, coats and warm clothing stayed on the shelves.

Electronics and home technology continued to perform buoyantly this week, although sales growth fell slightly to 11.6 per cent, from 11.8 last week.

John Lewis director Patrick Lewis said: 'Our Christmas departments are set for the season. Gifts, gift food and Christmas stationery all had good weeks - a promising sign for the months ahead. In toys, we have a good stock of predicted bestsellers. In eight weeks' time we will be taking almost double our current trade.'

Sales at grocer Waitrose were boosted after the opening of a store at Lichfield.