John Lewis online sales rose by almost a fifth in a week in which many shoppers enjoyed both a bank holiday and half term.
In the week to May 30, sales through johnlewis.com rose by 19.7% in a week that saw total sales rise by 3.9% to £82.08m. Sales during the week were strong compared to the trend: in the year-to-date, online sales have so far grown by 16.3% and total sales by 2.5%.
The combination of a bank holiday and half term provided a more buoyant week,” said Liz Mihell, head of selling at John Lewis at home, commenting on weekly figures released by the John Lewis Partnership today. “The weather across the country was somewhat varied but generally the temperatures lifted and, helpfully, there was at least a hint of summer for most areas.”
She added: “For online it was a convincing week where clear promotional messaging and emphasising of the edits and seasonal assortments have attracted positive results.”
Meanwhile, sister company Waitrose said total sales had risen by 1% during the week to £121.09m. The supermarket said it was a strong week for outdoor plants following the Chelsea Flower Show. “Our outdoor plants had a stellar week and were helped by one of the highlights of the Chelsea Flower Show – lupins,” said Helen Hyde, personnel director at Waitrose. “Demand at Waitrose rocketed after the show, with three times as many of the plants already sold compared to last year.”
