John Lewis sees home boost

Home sales rose at John Lewis in the past week, but overall sales dropped.

'Total sales were down 3.4% on the same week [to 16 November] last year but following the launch of the John Lewis and Waitrose Christmas advert on Thursday, customers started shopping Excitable Edgar merchandise and we also saw positive sales of cold weather product across fashion and home,’ says Bérangère Michel, John Lewis operations director.

‘Home sales were up 3.4% and our recent Home promotion saw flooring sales up 31% and fitted furniture up 70%. Customers cosied up last week with high tog duvets and faux fur blankets in strong demand. Christmas product sales were up 22% and sales of Christmas trees were up 25%, as customers prepared for the festive season.

‘Electrical and home technology sales were down 14.4% as we annualised against new product launches. Environmental care sales, which includes heating products, was up 94% as customers found new ways to warm their homes.

‘Fashion sales were up 0.7% as customers shopped cold weather products due to the recent drop in temperature. Womenswear outerwear was up 52%, women’s gloves were up 16% and cashmere sales were up 2%, compared with the same week last year.’

Home sales for the 42 week period were down 2.7%.