Department store John Lewis saw total sales increase 4.3 per cent last week to £72.2 million as new technology product launches boosted performance, it has been announced today.
Despite tough comparisons on the same week last year due to the timing of half term, sales of electricals jumped 10.5 per cent in the week to October 27th 2012, driven by strong interest in the retailer‘s new Windows 8 ranges.
John Lewis‘ android tablet ranges also inspired shoppers to spend while online sales fared well over the period and remained “extremely strong”.
Colder weather contributed to a rise in sales of own-brand cashmere as total fashion sales rose 3.9 per cent while the retailer‘s Cosy Nights In merchandise proved popular ahead of the clocks going back.
Customers continued to purchase Halloween products prior to the event earlier this week though Ed Connolly, Buying Director of EHT at the retailer, explained that it is looking ahead to Christmas.
“Christmas is looking fantastic in branch as customers begin their shopping in earnest with Christmas lights being the early front runner,” he said.
“With further technology launches in EHT to come, the prospect of colder weather on the horizon and our shops, online presentation and assortments in such good shape, we have every opportunity to break records as we head towards peak.”
Shoppers at Waitrose were similarly driven by seasonal events as themed baking products flew off shelves with sales of scary chocolate characters jumping 116 per cent compared with the same period last year.
Christmas-themed confectionery meanwhile saw an 80 per cent surge in sales and Christmas pudding sales climbed 150 per cent.
