John Lewis fashion sales shine amid "disappointing" performance

John Lewis posts a disappointing performance

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Department store business John Lewis posted what it called a disappointing performance over the week to May 17.

The retailer said that department store sales fell 1.8% year on year to £46.5 million, with only four of its 26 branches ahead of last year.

However, the fashion category helped buoy the retailer's sales over the period by beating last years performance, over the same week, with sales up 10.2% for the week.

Dan Knowles, John Lewis director of selling operations, Region B said that womenswear had a great week. Branded clothing sales in general were strong at the business, with shoes adding pace to sales and swimwear proving popular.

The retailer added that childrenswear also did well, with sandals and clothing showing good increases. Men's branded clothing and sunglasses and had good weeks.

However Knowles added: "A tough week. By the high standards we set ourselves, being below last year has to be considered a disappointing outcome. There is no doubt that weather played its part – for example, Saturday was a less bright day and we grew sales by 6 per cent."