John Lewis sales up 5.6%

Year-on-year sales at John Lewis are up 5.6% from Sunday to Wednesday, as cold weather boosted fashion sales.

 

Director of retail operations Patrick Lewis said: "Gift buying and dressing the table for the Christmas meal seem priorities for this week alongside the party outfit".

Sales for the week ending December 15 were up 7.7% on last year. Managing director Andy Street: "It has been a remarkable week which saw us achieve new record sales of over £101m. In a market which has proved tough going, this Christmas has come together extremely well."

Cold weather helped sales of wool jackets rise 59.9% and sales of knee-length coats were 133.2% up. Cashmere jumper sales were also up 43%.

John Lewis' online business was up 66% on last year.