// Weekly sales edge up for John Lewis thanks to back to school demand

// Big ticket items give encouraging performance in week to August 10

John Lewis saw total sales rise 0.4 per cent year-on-year last week as it benefitted from back to school shopping.

In the week to August 10 sales were up thanks to a focus on technology and school products with customers.

Fashion sales were down 1.2 per cent, although menswear was up 7.1 per cent and womens’ accessories rose 3.1 per cent.

Home sales dropped 2.7 per cent while textiles and home accessories rose 2.5 per cent.

Electrical and home technology sales were up 4.7 per cent thanks to strong sales of hair care products, with personal care up overall 74 per cent.

John Lewis’ trading director Simon Coble noted that big ticket items performed well, with sales of televisions rising 21 per cent and large electrical products up 12.4 per cent.

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