John Lewis Partnership saw its total sales drop nine per cent to £197.08 million in the first week of April with Waitrose dragging down the group’s average for another week.
Waitrose saw sales drop 16.2 per cent year-on-year, however this was heavily skewed by Easter falling earlier this year.
Despite the overall drop in comparable sales, sales of Easter roast dinner accompaniments jumped seven per cent while cleaning products experienced a spring boost of 26 per cent.
Meanwhile John Lewis saw sales increase 3.6 per cent despite distortions caused by Easter Sunday.
Though the colder weather compared to last year saw overall fashion sales dip 3.2 per cent, sales of cold weather clothing were boosted nine per cent. Accessories also had a strong week, with watch sales up 27 per cent.
Its homewares sector saw a 1.4 per cent drop, but bed linen sales rose 17 per cent while accessories sales increased 5.6 per cent.
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Perhaps Waitrose should go back to treating staff with a bit more respect in front of it’s customers. I visited the four oaks branch in Sutton coldfield last year in the middle of winter. The heating was broke and air con stuck on cold, the staff at the tills forced to wear gloves. I could see peoples breath it was that cold.