John Lewis sales blighted by “unhelpfully good weather”

John Lewis Partnership today (17 October) reported a downturn of 4.8% on net weekly sales, despite a positive response to its seasonal and fashion ranges.

The retailer blamed the unusually good weather, as well as consumers’ response to the world financial crisis, for the downturn. Sales started well on Sunday (12 October), with an increase of 7% and 9% on Monday (13 October), but the retailer says sales slowed as the news from the financial world took another turn for the worse and the weather improved.

Nat Wakeley, director of selling operations, says that the group will remain confident and is finding “strength from our seasonal assortment and grabbing every opportunity the current market throws at us.”

The British Retail Consortium published its latest figures (MW October 14) showing that UK retail sales overall fell for the fourth consecutive month in September.

Sales at John Lewis-owned Waitrose supermarkets also fell 0.3% over the past the week.