Multichannel department store John Lewis today said its online sales rose by well over a third in the second half of its financial year.
The department store chain said sales through johnlewis.com were up by 38.3% in the 26 weeks to January 29, compared to the same period last year. In the week ending January 29, ecommerce sales were up by a more modest 18.4%.
Andrew Murphy, retail director at John Lewis, commenting on the store’s weekly sales figures, said the week had seen strong sales both in white goods, which he ascribed to the ability of John Lewis customers to research online and buy in–store, and vice versa.
Total sales in the half-year through all John Lewis channels, including its more than 30 stores, rose by 7.9% on last year, excluding VAT, while in the week ending January 29, sales were down by 0.9%.
Meanwhile, over the full year, johnlewis.com had reached the £0.5bn sales milestone, with record sales in the home, fashion and electricals categories. New records were also set for customer visits, orders and conversions. During the year the company unveiled its first television ad promoting online shopping at John Lewis (pictured).
Murphy said: “The year ahead promises to be even more testing, but we are budgeting for growth. In doing so it is the consistent quality of our partners’ delivery of a great assortment, real value and exceptional service that gives us genuine confidence that, once again, we will be able to outperform our competitors and gain market share in all of our categories.”
