Sunshine is a problem but John Lewis fashion boosted by accessories, new season

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Jun 26, 2018

The John Lewis Partnership had a slow time overall last week with its sales dipping 0.8% to £226.77 million. But at least it was helped by its Waitrose supermarkets as the John Lewis department stores chain itself had an even worse week in the seven days up to June 23.

The chain said that its total sales fell 2.2% year-on-year even though its clearance sale got off to a good start. So what exactly was the problem? Well, just as cold weather was a major issue for UK retailers earlier in the year, it seems that hot weather was to blame for denting consumer appetite for shopping in the last few days.

The company said that its Fashion sales fell ever so slightly (by 0.1%) but women's accessories were much stronger with sales growing 6.8% year-on-year. And also encouraging was the fact that new season womenswear products saw their sales rising 4%. Meanwhile the company also saw “strong demand” for beauty appointments, which might seem like an understatement given that they rose 20.8%.

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But once again, Home sales were down, this time by 3.7%. That said, in the coming weeks, the retailer expects to see a rise in sales of upholstery products as its ‘special buy’ offers helped drive orders up 35%. Clearance also drove good sales of lighting products and beds, which were up 19% and 7.5% respectively.  Gifts, Cook and Dine sales were up 4%.