First signs of spring affect John Lewis sales

John Lewis has reported a dip in weekly sales as warmer weather in some parts of the country lured shoppers off the high street and into their gardens.

Although fashion sales rose 4 per cent, boosted by demand for sunglasses and new season shoes, the retailer said: “The first sunshine of spring kept a number of customers in their gardens rather than out shopping.”

Overall takings for the week to 20 April were 0.1 per cent lower than the same period last year at £61.9 million, with online sales up 11.3 per cent.

Glasgow and Sheffield were the group’s best performing stores last week, with sales up 8 per cent. At its other Scottish branches, Edinburgh gained 1.9 per cent but Aberdeen was down 2.2 per cent.