John Lewis has Record Sales Week

Date Published:12/12/2011

John Lewis has proved to be the exception to the rule, as it has announced record sales. In total, the retailer took £123.5m last week, which is a 2% increase on its previous record for the same time last year. This figure is also an 8.7% increase on the previous week. One of the main reasons given for the rise in sales is the sudden cold snap we’ve lately received, which is driving sales of winter clothes.

The company’s head of selling operations, Maggie Porteous, said, “We are thrilled to have achieved a new record week. Despite the turbulent economic climate, we can clearly see that our customers are wanting to deliver a perfect Christmas for their friends and family, whether that is finding the right present or finding those extra touches to decorate their homes”.

Retail analyst, Chris Field, said, “The weather was pretty good for such a long time, and that hit the fashion retailers because they had all their winter ranges rolled out and people weren’t buying them. But now…there’s been a bit of a catch-up, Christmas has arrived at the same time, so people are in a different space and are saying: ‘Ok, I need to buy presents’.” He also added that the company’s focus on customer service had helped it to buck the trend.

Data from research group, Verdict Research, indicated that, despite the uncertainty of the current economic climate, consumers plan to spend the same as last year, with 21% planning to spend more. Chris Field said, “Those retailers that 100% focus on what the customer wants and giving them more than the usual price, quality, value – they’re the ones that will really succeed”.