Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
John Lewis described the week to May 17 as a positive week for the department store group, with sales up 6.6%against last year.
Ed Connolly, Buying Director, Electricals and Home Technology (EHT) said: “Home’s recent momentum continued with a 5.5% gain, driven by some terrific sales’ from furniture, up 10.5%. It was particularly pleasing for us to capitalise on the Mediterranean climate with Outdoor Living showing 52% growth on the prior year.”
Warm weather assortments again saw the best of the trade. EHT was up 6.9%, producing the best showing from associated products, with cooling up 85% and refrigeration up 17%.
A mixed performance around the branches still saw 14 shops beat their last year’s figures, with High Wycombe’s numbers particularly strong. Online figures were 23.5% up, versus last year.
Ed Connolly added: “This week we have the run into the bank holiday weekend. Trading opportunity across all categories, and our World Cup campaign across digital, print and in shops, begins in earnest. So we expect a good week.”
