Bank holiday anticipation saw sales at upmarket grocer Waitrose jump eight per cent last week compared to the same period last year, it has been announced today.
Sunny spells saw shoppers rush to buy barbecue items, with sales of barbecue meats and pre-packed fish rising 39 per cent and 29 per cent respectively while salad sales increased by 20 per cent.
For the week to August 25th 2012, Pimms proved particularly popular during the warm weather despite showers as sales jumped 50 per cent, while ice cream saw a 29 per cent lift. Sales of sun cream were boosted a massive 92 per cent over the period.
Department store John Lewis also reported a surge in sales, rising 8.8 per cent while all three directorates recorded strong improvements.
For the second consecutive week, sales of EHT products increased by 300 per cent, while strong promotions and discounting saw Large Electricals sales rise 27 per cent.
As excitement for the Paralympics grew, shoppers rushed to purchase sports apparel and Mark McCormack, Buying Director of Fashion, welcomed the results.
“In Fashion, Menswear and Sports led the way with a 10.8 per cent lift on the year, driven by strong performances in central London – both JL Oxford Street and Peter Jones trading at +18 per cent,” he said.
“Men‘s casual brands ended the week on plus 13 per cent; Polo Ralph Lauren and Diesel delivered high double-digit increases on the year.
“Aside from core London 2012 ranges, the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games continue to drive higher sales in sports equipment, with table tennis and exercise bikes driving a 31 per cent increase.”
