Total sales of tablet computers at department store group John Lewis have soared 246 per cent year-on-year so far this week, it has been announced today.
Electricals had a staggeringly strong week, as headphones sales jumped 159 per cent while ‘hear-muffs‘ – headphones combined with earmuffs – have performed best with one selling every two minutes.
iPads had their biggest ever week of sales at the retailer, up 230 per cent on the same period in2010.
Overall, total sales were down 0.6 per cent from Sunday November 13th to Wednesday November 16th, similarly disappointing results to those for the week ending Saturday November 12th 2011, when sales dipped 0.8 per cent.
In spite of this, Christmas products continued to perform strongly, with festive hampers up 33 per cent on the same week last year, selling at a rate of one hamper every 15 minutes.
Advent calendars also proved popular, with sales of the retailer‘s gingerbread calendar rising 96 per cent on the previous week, being snapped up at a rate of one every twenty minutes.
Fashion products have also traded well since Sunday, with own-brand knits proving popular despite the unseasonably mild weather.
These results come as the group‘s festive television advert, which aired during X Factor last Saturday night, is set to hit one and a half million YouTube views.
Maggie Porteous, Head of Selling Operations for New Formats at John Lewis, said: “Trading conditions this week remain challenging as customers read of more economic woes and contend with inflationary pressures.
“By last night we were -0.6% down on the same week last year, which is a creditable performance under these conditions and against strong figures last year.
“However, despite the cautious mood of shoppers generally, it is evident that nothing will come between our customers and having a fantastic Christmas.”
