It has been reported today that due to the last tube strike, John Lewis saw its sales drop 0.6% last week, however online sales increased by 8%.
In a statement, the partnership said: “We finished the week with sales slightly down on last year at -0.6%. Summer continued to show itself periodically and trade in London was hampered by the tube strike, along with the comparisons of some key sporting events in the Southeast last year. Our online business grew by 8.0% year-on-year.”
Stores that did perform well were Newbury, who were the best with sales increasing 18%, Sheffield, Croydon, Chester and Tamworth also achieved a good percentage.
Other figures show that fashion sales, particularly menswear, womenswear and women’s accessories increased 2.9%, however homeware, electricals and home technology sales fell 2.3%.
Director of selling, London and South at John Lewis, David Barford said: “Looking ahead we have the first groups of holidaymakers coming back and looking for Back to School inspiration and the next wave of people off on holiday. We have plenty of opportunity to make up some lost ground from last week and to optimise all areas of our offer.”
