John Lewis boosted by own-brand fashion despite warm weather denting footfall

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Apr 24, 2019

John Lewis Partnership sales surged as much as 16.5% in the latest week to hit £236.7 million in the seven days to April 20.

A lot of that rise was down to its Waitrose supermarkets that benefited from the late Easter, but the John Lewis department stores chain also did well with a 10.1% increase “as customers enjoyed shopping Easter promotions earlier in the week.”

However, the record breaking warm weather over the weekend impacted sales, when compared to the same Easter weekend last year as consumers preferred to get out in the sun rather than visiting shops.

At least Fashion department sales did well with a 9.3% rise. Own-brand clothing ranges Kin and Modern Rarity saw sales up 23% and 22% respectively. And John Lewis shops that have Style Studios saw sales up 31% “as customers looked to refresh their wardrobes for the summer season.”

The company’s in-house brands have been star performers for it in recent years and have more than justified its significant investment in this area.

Home department sales also managed to rise, by as much as 11.6%, which was a welcome change for a part of the business that has consistently underperformed. Sales of Tabletop products were up 20.4% and gifts and candles were up 25% as customers prepared their homes for Easter celebrations.