‘Mixed bag’ for John Lewis as sales growth slows

By GARETH MACKIE
Published on 22/02/2013 08:13

Department store group John Lewis has reported an 8.3 per cent increase in sales for last week, well below the 22.4 per cent jump it enjoyed for the same period last year.

The employee-owned retailer said sales during the week to 16 February were affected by snow and the timing of school holidays in England.

The group’s Edinburgh branch was one of its strongest performers, with sales up 11.2 per cent year-on-year. Aberdeen enjoyed an 8 per cent increase, while Glasgow was up 2 per cent.

John Lewis said: “It was a mixed bag of events this week, with snow affecting some areas in the first part of the week and half term falling a week later this year in the southeast of England.

“Looking ahead we have all to play for, as new season stock arrives and the new spring/summer furniture assortments are now in place.”