John Lewis reports mixed week

British department store chain John Lewis today said changeable trading patterns pushed sales growth below recent trends last week.

The group reported a sales rise of 1.1% in the week to last Saturday, leaving growth in the first 13 weeks of the financial year ahead 3.2%.

Patrick Lewis, director of retail operations, said the week started strongly, but sales then slipped before mid-season promotions by a couple of competitors boosted footfall during Thursday and Friday. A weaker Saturday, due to sunny weather and sporting events, completed the mixed picture.

Mr Lewis added: “Our final tally left us confidently above the line for the week, but with a lower level of increase than of late.”

Out of 26 stores, the chain’s outlets at London’s Oxford Street, Southsea and Aberdeen achieved sales gains last week. John Lewis Direct – the company’s internet and catalogue business – maintained its recent strong growth record with an improvement of 44.6% on a year earlier.

Peter Jones, in London’s Sloane Square, posted a sales fall of 13.1% as the outlet continued to show signs of feeling pressure from the current squeeze on the financial sector. There were also sizeable sales falls at Welwyn, High Wycombe and Peterborough.

John Lewis said strong sales of computers, supported by cameras and televisions, gave the electronics and home technology department a boost during the week.

Home found the going hardest, with lower demand for large items and outdoor furniture yet to take off, the chain added.

John Lewis staff recently celebrated the award of one-fifth of their salary as an annual bonus. Colleagues at supermarket chain Waitrose also benefited.