Hi-tech demand drives John Lewis sales growth

By GARETH MACKIE
Published on 16/11/2012 20:26

DEPARTMENT store group John Lewis maintained its double-digit sales growth last week, boosted by demand for tablet computers and large-screen televisions, but there were mixed fortunes at its Scottish branches.

Sales for the week to 10 November rose 11.4 per cent with branded womenswear also selling well as autumn and winter fashion ranges performed strongly compared with last year, although growth slowed towards the end of the week as temperatures rose.

However, the growth – which took total takings to £85 million for the week – marked a slowdown on the 17.9 per cent jump it recorded in the previous week.

The employee-owned retailer said: “Tablet sales continue to surge ahead of last year, with strong demand across our broad range of assortment. Our new iPad ranges launched to great effect and sales were further bolstered by terrific attachment sales.”

Aberdeen was the group’s best-performing store in Scotland, with sales 3.9 per cent higher than a year ago, while Glasgow was up 3.7 per cent but Edinburgh experienced a 0.7 per cent dip.

Sales at the group’s Waitrose supermarket chain rose 13.6 per cent to £117.9m, with demand for Christmas crackers 65 per cent ahead of the same period last year, while online sales soared 61 per cent.”