Department store John Lewis has today reported a 22.4 per cent year-on-year jump in total sales last week as sales of London 2012 merchandise soared 51 per cent on the previous week.
During “a remarkable week of success” for Team GB, the retailer‘s new ranges proved popular as consumers celebrated victory and made the most of the milder weather.
Tim Harrison, Head of Commercial Format & Implementation at John Lewis, said: “Undoubtedly, the feel-good factor of Team GB‘s medal success has had a direct impact in uplifting sales, not only in our London shops but also in our branches throughout the country – certainly a great way to start the new half year.”
In the week to August 4th 2012, sales of large screen TVs rose as British households chose to view the Games in style, driving EHT sales which climbed 31.2 per cent on a year ago.
Fashion saw a 25.5 per cent rise in sales across the board though menswear and sportswear led the way, while jl.com reported a 44.3 per cent sales rise as the retailer continues to focus on streamlining its online offering.
As refurbishment and further expansion goes on, the chain, which this week confirmed plans for a pop-up shop in Exeter later in the year, has seen growth across a number of stores, with its refurbished Reading branch reporting a 26.8 per cent sales rise on the same week in 2011.
Harrison added: “It is a great way to start the second half and gives us real confidence that we are well positioned for the rest of the year. As with gold medals, we only see the results and not all of the hard work that goes into them.
“Here, we have done a great job to position ourselves for success.”
Meanwhile, total sales at grocer Waitrose were up 9.7 per cent on the same period last year, boosted by British ready meal sales which jumped 84 per cent while local and regional beer sales increased by 31 per cent as patriotism gripped the nation.
