Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
The milder week led to a drop in sales of 3.5% for John Lewis in the week to September 13.
EHT (Electricals and Home Technology) buying director Johnathan Marsh said: “With children now back at school, thoughts would usually turn to winter essentials. However, the unseasonably warmer days are delaying these purchases. Footfall was restricted on the year due to less promotional activity on the high street.”
But he noted that ‘Home’ had a good week with a 0.6% gain on the year. This was driven by furniture (up 9%) and home accessories & gifts (up 7%). Beds and bedroom sales were up 19% and upholstery was up 17% Gift food and seasonal performed well too, up 7%, with Halloween up 27% on the year.
Online sales were 5.6% up on the year, with home sales up 7%, reflecting the
trend in stores, and home accessories and gifts performing well with a 12% rise and small electricals up 21%.
Johnathan Marsh concluded: “Despite the forecast for continuing mild weather, and with Christmas launching online, we are confident that our seasonal assortment will inspire customers to invest in products for the coming months.”
