John Lewis sales jumped 5% to £75.77m last week as colder weather drove sales of its winter fashion lines and premium bedding.   

  • John Lewis fashion and home sales driven up by colder weather
  • TVs also prove popular ahead of today’s Rugby World Cup kick-off
  • Waitrose weekly sales drop following ‘significant marketing activity’ last year
  • Start of game season sees sales in that food category rocket 1,000%

The department store group said it maintained momentum from its August bank holiday campaign as fashion sales rose 8.7% in the week ending September 12.

John Lewis’s childrenswear and nursery ranges reported the highest growth, as own-brand cold weather lines performed well in both menswear and womenswear.

Premium bedding and high tog duvets also performed “particularly well online” as colder temperatures and darker nights drew in.

Sales of homewares increased 7.5% during the week driven by big-ticket items including fitted furniture, while John Lewis added that the launch of its West Elm range had “started strongly”.

Sales of TVs continued to gain traction as the latest big screen models from Samsung and LG flew off the shelves ahead of the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off today.

Sales drop at Waitrose

But there were contrasting fortunes at sister retailer Waitrose, which reported a 0.9% drop in sales, excluding petrol, during the seven-day period.

Total sales for the week ending September 12 were £117.9m, down from £119.1m on the year.

Waitrose said this was because of “significant marketing activity during the equivalent week last year”.

Colder temperatures also led to changing sales patterns at the upmarket grocer, as quick and easy family meals performed well. Sales of ready meals including lasagne and moussaka soared 26%, pizza sales were up 13% and curries recorded a 10% uplift.

Pre-prepared fish dishes also proved popular, rising by 36% overall, with sea bream and sea bass the stand out performers.

The start of the game season had a “huge effect” on sales, which rocketed 1,000% on last year. Waitrose said the sales spike was driven by improved availability and the introduction of new lines including partridge fillets and mallard breasts.

Sales of cold weather spirits including rum and imported whiskey were up 44% and 29% respectively.

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