Online Trading Boosts John Lewis Sales

Date Published:27/01/2012

In results released today, John Lewis has revealed that it saw a double digit increase in sales last week. The increase is attributed to a 47.4% rise in online trading. Johnlewis.com recorded jumps in all products, but its fashion and homewares sectors performed best, with a trading growth of 71% and 48% respectively. Electrical sales also soared in its bricks and mortar stores, with trading up 22%.

Nat Wakely, director of selling operations for region A, said, “Electrical and home technology has really seen a return to form of late, with last week seeing small electrical passing their full year stretch target and imaging hopefully starting a significant turnaround following worldwide issues in their supply base last year”. Overall fashion sales were up 9.6% and branded menswear increased 33%.

Mr Wakely added that IT was “the star of the show”, as computers doubled their trade from a year ago, whilst television sales continued to benefit from the digital switchover. 50% of the new John Lewis stores saw an increase in sales; Liverpool was up 11%, Leicester rose 8.2%, and Norwich increased 6.1%. The group is now looking to future challenges, and Valentine’s Day will be the next “main calendar feature” for the group.