John Lewis sales slip 1.6%

UK department store chain John Lewis today said its trading year ended “with a whimper” as demand for cold weather clothing failed to prevent a 1.6% sales fall.

The group posted sales of £43.5m (€49.8m) for the week ending January 31, a fall from £44.2m (€50.6m) a year ago, as demand for electrical and technology goods weakened.

The decline, which follows a 0.8% drop a week earlier, contrasts with a surge in sales earlier in the month driven by its new year clearance.

However managing director Andy Street said the business, which has 27 outlets, had ended an “unprecedented year” in good shape.

“After a tough autumn, January has helped to restore respectability to the half and for the full year.”

Clothing sales were up 0.8% during the week driven by a mix of demand for cold weather and new season clothing.