John Lewis on the home straight as sales rise 11.2% Friday, 27th July 2012

Olympic merchandise provided a boost for the retailer Photo credit: John Lewis plc

As the Olympic torch wound its way to London for the Games, sales at John Lewis were also on the home straight, up 11.2 per cent from the same time a year before.

Steaming ahead, Electricals and Home Technology experienced a 32.5 per cent rise in year-on-year sales growth, while Fashion also managed a 7.6 per cent rise from last year. The retailer’s Home department saw mixed results, with an overall increase of just 0.9 per cent from the same time last year, although it’s thought tourists making London 2012 souvenir purchases could boost lines in the weeks to come.

”As the Olympic Torch Relay completes its journey we are still selling over 1,000 units of the replica each week.” Susan Young, head of merchandising at central operations 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.”

Taking a wider view at the positive run of sales John Lewis has held in the past few weeks, Young added: “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.”

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• Another strong week for John Lewis as sales rise 13.3% (Friday, 8th March 2013)
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• John Lewis to roll out Olympic stores (Wednesday, 11th April 2012)

Posted in Department Stores, Electricals, Home & DIY News Tagged john lewis, department, store, chain, retail, london, 2012, olympics, sales