John Lewis reports slow start to Clearance

John Lewis reported sales down -4.1% in the week ending 28 December marking a slower than usual start to its Clearance however fashion performed well.

Sales for fashion were up +5.8% and while beauty was up +36%, jewellery up 27% and nightwear up +22% as shoppers picked up last-minute gifts.

The performance however was dragged down by home sales, which were down -5.3% despite customers shopping for last minute stationary and gift food in the run up to Christmas.

Electrical and Home Technology sales were down -14.5% due to slower demand for Clearance promotions. However John Lewis said it had had a busy few days in the lead up to Christmas.

A record Black Friday across the high street is said to be in part to blame for slower sales and a reduction footfall during the Christmas period as shoppers took advantage of the deep discounting at the end of November to make their Christmas purchases early.

According to Ipsos Retail Performance, Christmas Eve footfall was down by -10%, while according to Springboard, Boxing Day footfall was also down by -10% as poor weather deterred shoppers.