John Lewis posts strong sales over Christmas week
John Lewis achieved strong performance over Christmas week (from 22-29 December) with sales up 4.5% year-on-year.
The department store said it had enjoyed particularly strong sales on Christmas Eve (which fell on a Monday) and "a confident start to Clearance sales both online and in shops".
Fashion performed positively with sales up 10.7% (up 3.5% overall to week 22 in the retailer's financial year) with strong sales in women’s cashmere, up 10%, and women’s accessories, up 21.5%.
Home sales were down -2.3% on last year however Gift Cook and Dine had "a great week", up 25%, as shoppers bought last minute Christmas gifts. Gift food was also up 103%.
Electrical and Home Technology sales were up 3.1% as customers took advantage of the start of Clearance, with Apple performing particularly well and communication technology products also up.
A fuller picture of how the partnership performed over the festive period in general will be revealed when it posts figures for the six weeks to 29 December on 10 January.