John Lewis saw a 14.8 per cent year-on-year increase in sales during the festive period, figures released today reveal.
The retailer achieved total sales of £684.8 million for the five weeks to December 29th 2012, a like-for-like increase of 13.0 per cent.
This follows an announcement of record breaking festive sales from fellow John Lewis Partnership retailer Waitrose.
Andy Street, Managing Director of John Lewis, commented: “I am delighted that John Lewis has delivered record breaking sales figures over the Christmas period and the first five days of Clearance.
“In an economic climate which continues to be volatile, to have achieved these results is testimony to the strength of the John Lewis brand and the commitment of all our Partners to giving outstanding service.”
Johnlewis.com now accounts for a quarter of the retailer‘s business, and the website saw a 44.3 per cent year-on-year increase in online sales for the five week period, breaking through the £800 million barrier for the first time.
Electricals and Home Technology sales increased by 30.9 per cent year on year, Fashion and Beauty saw a 10.4 per cent increase, and sales in the Home department were up 6.2 per cent.
Sales were particularly high in the fourth week of the period, which ended on Saturday December 22nd and in which the retailer recorded total sales of £157.8 million, a 26.5 per cent year-on-year increase.
The first day of John Lewis‘ Clearance period, December 27th, also saw record sales totalling £31.7 million, with total sales for the fifth week reaching £112.9 million.
Commenting on the figures, Mr Street added: “The success of our online operation and our pre-eminence as an omni-channel retailer cannot be underestimated.
“Sales at johnlewis.com broke through the £800 million milestone during December supported by an excellent performance from our Click and Collect facility which allows customers the flexibility to buy online and collect from John Lewis and Waitrose outlets.
“Above all, our success can be attributed to the inspiring and innovative products we offer our customers coupled with their trust that we will always provide the best quality and value and will always fulfil our “Never Knowingly Undersold” promise.”
