Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
Total sales at John Lewis reached £172.5 million last week (to December 17), up 0.4% year-on-year.
The department store group’s buying director of EHT (Electricals and Home Technology) Johnathan Marsh said: “The extra time created by Christmas Day falling on a Sunday this year, means the big shopping days before Christmas are likely to be in the week ahead [to December 24].”
EHT sales were down 0.6% year-on-year. The Dyson supersonic hairdryer was the best-selling electrical item, while headphones, mobile phones and wearable tech products achieved record sales. Large electrical items were also strong sellers.
Home sales were down 1.3% year-on-year. However, sales of upholstery were up 18%, and sales of express curtains were up 34%.
Johnathan noted that: “Gifting achieved another record week in which food gifts sold particularly well. Our Christmas Shops saw sales rise by 8%.”
Fashion sales were up 2.6% year-on-year. Knitwear had a record week with sales up 35% year-on-year. Menswear sales were up 6.6% and sales of beauty, wellbeing & leisure products were up 2.1%.
