John Lewis has today reported its online sales have helped to deliver an 11.5 per cent total sales increase in the week ending June 16th 2012.
Changeable weather saw shoppers spending from the comfort of their own home with like-for-like sales figures seeing an increase of 38.4 per cent on Johnlewis.com.
Online activity outperformed bricks and mortar stores as customers bought new electrical equipment in time for the summer sports events; the Electrical Home Department enjoyed a 58.1 per cent rise on the site.
In store, half of its branches saw an improvement on the same week last year. The Poole branch witnessed a 29.3 per cent sales leap, while Croydon, Tunbridge Wells and Knight & Lee reported an increase of 22.1 per cent, 20.3 per cent and 11.6 per cent respectively.
David Barford, Director of Selling Operations at John Lewis, welcomed the results amid such unseasonable weather.
“Despite our ever-challenging weather we delivered another great week‘s trade at +11.5 per cent on last year,” he said.
“Johnlewis.com achieved an uplift on last year of 38.4 per cent and saw very strong performances from all three directorates, leading the way was EHT at 58.1 followed by Fashion at +33.2 and Home at +22.3 per cent.”
He also predicted that its seasonal mark downs will assure a positive result for next week, adding: “As we move into this week, our Clearance in both shops and online should provide a compelling offer for our customers.”
Upmarket grocery partner Waitrose also had a strong week of results, with total sales up 4.5 per cent on last year as customers purchased beers and pizza to snack on during the Euro 2012 matches.
Sales of bottled lager varieties were up by 34 per cent and customers rushed to buy whiskey as a gift for Father‘s Day, driving sales of the beverage up 24 per cent on last year.
David Jones, Supply Chain Director at Waitrose, commented: “Local and regional beers are currently performing particularly strongly, with the range growing at 31 per cent as people increasingly try something a little bit different.
“Many have been opting to spend less time in the kitchen and more time watching the football.”
