Sales at department store group John Lewis fell 1.4% last week to £69.1m as demand for electricals and home technology slumped.
The department store group’s sales across electricals and home technology tumbled 8.4% in the week to March 21, despite revenue derived from small electricals rising 13.1%.
At sister retailer Waitrose sales increased 1.9% excluding petrol to £123.93m last week as Easter helped offset the “drag effect of food price deflation”.
John Lewis sales of fashion increased 2.9% driven by growth in every category. Women’s shoes sales were up 15.9% while women’s accessories and beauty increased 4.3%.
Home sales advanced 2.7%. accessories and gifts were up 5.3%, lighting sales increased 7.3%, fitted furniture jumped 19.2% and upholstery sales improved 8.1%.
Online sales jumped 12.7%.
John Lewis director of selling, London and South David Barford said: “There is a hint of spring in the air and this is reflected in the sales of our new season related lines.
“Easter is approaching and this offers us an opportunity to capture sales across all areas as customers prepare for spring, the school holidays and all things fashion and home and leisure related.”
Waitrose marketing director Rupert Thomas said that shoppers “appear to be making more health-motivated choices when it comes to their Easter treats”. Sales of gluten-free hot cross buns and Waitrose’s gluten-free Easter egg have both “soared in popularity”, up 124% and 890% respectively.
Sales of slow-cooked meat surged 56% as the weather turned colder and shoppers opted for more “comforting” food.
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