John Lewis laments unseasonably warm weather for dip in weekly sales
John Lewis has blamed the weather for a dip in weekly sales.
The retailer – which last week reported a 9.4 per cent surge in sales to £1.87bn for the first half of the year – said overall sales fell 3.5 per cent year-on-year in the week to 13 September.
Its fashion department was hit hardest, as sales plummeted 13.1 per cent.
"With children now back at school, thoughts would usually turn to winter essentials; however, the unseasonably warmer days are delaying these purchases,” the retailer said, adding footfall was also restricted due to less promotional activity on the high street.
Meanwhile, homeware sales rose 0.6 per cent and electricals and home technology category was similarly up 3.6 per cent.
By contrast, sister company Waitrose noted a sales increase of 6.5 per cent year-on-year last week thanks to the warmer weather and outdoor events like The Proms and Invictus Games.
The supermarket's Good to Go range experienced a 17.5 per cent sales surge.