Retailer John Lewis has revealed that sales were strong over the crucial Christmas period, providing some cause for optimism in what remains a challenging market.
In a trading update issued yesterday, the department store chain announced a 9.3 per cent year-on-year rise in total sales in the five weeks to December 31, with like-for-like (LFL) sales up by 6.2 per cent. Compared to 2009, total sales climbed by 19.1 per cent and LFL sales rose by 14.4 per cent.
“Sales during the four weeks to Christmas Eve were outstanding. During that period we broke the record for our biggest week ever with a sterling total of £133.1m for the week ending December 17,” said John Lewis managing director Andy Street. “It was always going to be a challenge to match sales, particularly with ‘big ticket’ items.”
John Lewis also saw a healthy rise in online sales, which were up 27.9 per cent on 2010. Fashion and home products saw sales increase by 10.3 and 13.6 per cent respectively, while electricals and home technology climbed by four per cent.
The figures came after rival Next admitted its own festive performance had been somewhat weaker than hoped for.
