Department store chain John Lewis today announced an 11.2 per cent uplift in year-on-year sales in the week building up to the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony.
Coming in at first place was the Electricals and Home Technology sector, with a clear lead of over 32.5 per cent growth for the week ending July 21st 2012 compared to the same period last year.
Communication Technology came out a winner within this area as there was a surge in sales to buy iPads to watch the live events receiving a rise of 83.4 per cent in the same week.
Shoppers searching for the last of the summer fashion bargains meant that the fashion department was a strong runner up with a 7.6 per cent increase in total sales, while gift purchases to celebrate the forthcoming momentous occasion in London saw the Home sector boast sales of over 60 per cent.
Unprecedented demand for its Team GB lego figurines received the title of best selling product of all the gift merchandise as anticipation built for the long-awaited event and follows John Lewis‘ move to mark the countdown of the Games by wrapping four of its stores in giant banners earlier this week.
Susan Young, Head of Merchandising Central Operations at John Lewis said: “The momentum around London 2012 is unlikely to drop, and four of our stores have been clad in London 2012 wraps, which will be in place until September.
“Stratford sales are weighted towards London 2012 products, with one customer buying £10,000 worth of coins and the athletes and their entourages boosting Home sales as they added their own touch to the Olympic Village.
“This week sees the end of the first half with fantastic achievements behind us and everything to compete for as we go into the second half.”
Sun was shining on sister company Waitrose‘s sales in the same week as total sales saw a 8.7 per cent boost on last year.
Those making the most of the heat wave hosting barbecues giving the upmarket grocer a lift in the sales of meats to 47 per cent, free range sausages 35 per cent and beef burgers 37 per cent.
Champagne was a popular tipple with consumers celebrating the season of sport.
Rupert Thomas, Marketing Director at Waitrose commented: “As the eyes of the world turn to Britain this week, sporting fans have been stocking up for a fortnight of celebrations with friends and families.
“Champagne sales have risen by 19 per cent, while patriotic tipples have also been popular, with English sparkling wine up 24.5 per cent and English and Welsh still wines rising by 48 per cent on last year.”
