Weather leaves John Lewis flat

John Lewis yesterday reported flat sales in the week to date as the big freeze took its toll on takings.

The department store operator has been recording steady year-on-year gains including an 8.8 per cent rise in the week to 27 November.

But, providing an update on the period from Sunday to Wednesday of this week, the partnership said: "The snow has impacted both footfall and sales in shops where the weather has been particularly poor.

"This week has seen sales level with last year which reflects significant underlying strength, considering the adverse conditions."

Sales at website johnlewis.com leapt 62.2 per cent as customers unable to travel opted to shop online. Analysts said the update highlighted the concerns for retailers from the snow in the crucial festive sales period.