More consecutive record sales at John Lewis

John Lewis has seen the third week of record sales as sales top £100m in the last full shopping week before Christmas.

Sales reached £112m for the seven days to 19 December, 15.5% up on the same week last year, and 11.4% up on the same week in 2007.

Online sales were 7% up on the same week last year.

Despite freezing conditions and snow falling around the UK, shoppers braved the weather to shop for fashions, gifts and home furnishings ahead of Christmas.

According to the weekly sales figures, sales of hats, scarves and earmuffs rocketed while gift foods, electronic games and traditional board games continued to break records, which the department store says indicates customers are preparing to entertain at home this festive season.

Andrew Murphy, director of operational development for John Lewis, says: “This new record week shows how much customers value John Lewis for our range of quality products, excellent customer service and our ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ price matching promise. There is a real festive buzz in all our shops as customers are buying last minute presents, with many choosing home technology gifts such as digital cameras and radios. The cold weather also means that sales of fashion, in particular childrenswear, are seeing record-breaking figures.”

Yesterday, John Lewis managing director Andy Street warned that tax hikes and the general election would bring flat sales and consumer uncertainty in 2010.

Recommended