John Lewis fetes new format launch with sales up 8.6% Friday, 19th October 2012

John Lewis store opening at Exeter. Photo credit: John Lewis 

Despite missing out on the double digit rise seen consistently across the last few weeks, John Lewis had plenty to celebrate with the opening of its new format store and strong online sales.

Sales outstripped expectations at the retailer’s new format full-line department store in Exeter, while another 29 branches across the UK reported a growth in sales for the week.

Poole and Norwich delivered the stand-out performances for the seven days, with sales up19.7 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.

Online sales accounted for a quarter of trade at John Lewis, rising 23.2 per cent year-on-year, as orders via the retailer’s Click & Collect service rose 77 per cent for the year.

Fashion recorded a 12.7 per cent growth year-on-year, as soft comparables from a heat wave in October 2011 helped strong autumnal sales this year. Electrical and home technology rose 11.8 per cent from last year, although at a slightly slower pace seen across the year as customers delayed purchases in the run up to the Windows 8 launch.

With the peak Christmas trading period little more than a month away, Susan Young, head of merchandising, central operations said: “The Christmas assortment is starting to gather momentum and with the Winterland Pop-up Shop launching in stores this week we are in a great place to begin the climb to Christmas peak sales."

Posted by Ava Szajna

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Posted in Department Stores, fashion Tagged john lewis, exeter, store, department, chain, open, launch, home, electricals, fashion, growth, autumn, october, peak, christmas