John Lewis has tough week, even fashion can't help

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Mar 12, 2019

It wasn’t a good week for John Lewis Partnership in the seven days to March 9 as its sales fell by a hefty 8.9% to £208.45 million. It suffered from tough comparisons as the same week a year ago had seen a surge of shoppers after the heavy snow came to an end.

And the John Lewis chain itself was almost as weak as its sales fell by 8.8% “impacted by the later fall of Mother’s Day and Easter this year.” 

Unfortunately, the Fashion department that usually comes to the rescue couldn’t help this time. Its sales were down an even worse 10.1%. But there was some comfort in that warm weather clothing was up 9% as shoppers appeared to be in a spring fashion mood, despite the end of the mini heatwave of the previous week.

Menswear was a strong performer too with its sales up a respectable 3.3% due to new brand launches in this category.

But the Home department continued its on-going slide and its sales were down 10.7%, even though Outdoor Living sales were up a healthy 8% due, again, to that warmer weather.

Electrical and Home Technology sales also fell. They were down 6.3%, but there could be better news next week as on Friday, the retailer launched its own brand Personal Care range which includes hairdryers, hair straighteners and men’s grooming products such as clippers.