John Lewis hurt by warm weather as shoppers soak up the last days of sun
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Version 0 of 1. John Lewis suffered from the warm weather as shoppers shunned the department store in favour of soaking up the final few rays of summer sun, with just seven stores improving on sales from last year. It meant total sales fell 3.5 per cent last week compared to a year ago with its fashion ranges taking the biggest hit with customers holding off an autumnal wardrobe upgrade. However, its partnership sister company Waitrose managed to cash in on the Invictus Games and the Proms last week, claiming the events spurred sales of outdoor food and picnic staples. Food sales rose 6.5 per cent compared to last year, with quiches up 26 per cent, appetizers up 25 per cent and dips up 12 per cent. And with the warm weather, 4,000 extra bags of charcoal were sold compared to last year, and ice cream rose 25 per cent. It comes a week after Waitrose revealed half-year profits fell 9.4 per cent to £145.2m after it was squeezed in the ongoing supermarket price war. Back at John Lewis there was some glimmers from its electronics division – which management have said is expected to be one of its biggest-growing departments over the next 12 months – with consumer electronics accessories up 22 per cent and audio and Gaming sales up 17 per cent. Freddie George, retail analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald, explained: “For the present, there has been very limited promotional activity on the ‘high street’ but the longer the mild weather continues the more likely retailers will be forced to discount their autumn / winter ranges.” |