Warm weather boosts fashion sales at John Lewis

John Lewis witnessed a strong week ending April 8, 2017, with sales up 3.5 percent at 82 million pounds (101 million dollars). The company said, results were influenced by the warmer weather, which proved a boost for fashion category, that saw a sales rise of 7.5 percent and the ongoing impact of Easter falling at a different time also played a role.

Sales of warm weather clothing were up significantly, with womenswear up 14.2 percent and menswear up 8 percent. Sales of fashion accessories rose 18.2 percent, driven by sunglasses sales. The company’s new AND/OR denim range also performed well on the back of our personalisation denim workshop, running at its Oxford Street shop until April 18, 2017.

In home, sales were down 2.9 percent as sales of larger items were impacted by the warmer weather, although outdoor living was up 92.3 percent. LFL sales of Easter-related gift food were up 9.1 percent on the comparative week from last year, with the Prestat Gin & Tonic Easter egg and Chocolate Hen on edible grass, proving to be the two best sellers.

EHT sales increased 6.9 percent driven by new product launches such as the Google Home receiving positive consumer response. Tablets and computing was up 13.3 percent, and audio and connected home sales were up 6.7 percent.

Picture:John Lewis website