Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
The last week (to July 12) of John Lewis’ Clearance saw sales growth of 20% on last year for the department store group.
John Lewis Director of Selling (Group L & S) David Barford said: “The customer appetite for a bargain continued, with Reduced to Clear up 9% and Special Buy up 4% against last year. As well as a healthy appetite for Clearance stock, we’re also seeing customers beginning to buy from the new season lines as they come into stock.”
Shops performed strongly, with sales up 16% on last year. The ‘At Home’ stores led the way: Chichester, Ipswich, Exeter and Tunbridge Wells all beat last year by 40% or more. Online sales enjoyed a lift of 31.5% on last year. Against the like-for-like Clearance week last year, demand was 19% up.
Home had a strong week all round, with sales up 23%. The result was driven by prominent Special Buy assortments; textiles and carpets ended 31% up and all buying groups achieved sales budgets. With the summer wedding season in full swing, gift list sales returned a 12% increase on last year.
EHT (Electrical and Home Technology) was up 19%. Large Electrical enjoyed their third biggest sterling week of the half. Within this Laundry was the star performer with Reduced to Clear stock leading the way.
David Barford concluded: “This coming week provides us with the opportunity to focus on coming out of Clearance strongly. With the summer holidays looming, customers will be – more than ever – looking for newness in our shops and online. This is timely for us, as with only one week left of the half year there is still a lot to play for.”
