John Lewis rebounds on strong Father’s Day sales

Department store chain John Lewis has insisted that consumer optimism was holding up as it reported a return to sales growth, boosted by a strong performance ahead of Father’s Day.

John Lewis said sales of outdoor furniture more than doubled. Picture: Getty

The employee-owned retailer said sales during the week to 15 June were 7.5 per cent higher than the same period last year. That compares with the previous week’s 5.2 per cent decline, blamed on tough comparisons with last year, when trading was boosted by the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Despite mixed weather during the week, John Lewis said sales of outdoor furniture more than doubled, while electricals and home technology enjoyed growth of almost 10 per cent.

Sales of Father’s Day cards jumped 45 per cent year-on-year, and the firm added: “Our customers appear to remain optimistic about the summer ahead.”

Among the group’s three Scottish stores, Edinburgh was the strongest performer with sales up 8.1 per cent on last year. Takings at Glasgow grew 5.3 per cent, while Aberdeen edged up 2.2 per cent.