John Lewis sales hit by rugby and warm weather

John Lewis suffered a sales dip in the week to October 6, as the combination of rugby, warm weather and tough comparisons hit the retailer.

Sales at the 26 store chain dropped 8% on Saturday, leaving the retailer down 0.4% over the period. However, menswear, leisure and beauty continued its good form, up 2.4%. Womenswear was down 2%. 

Retail operations director Patrick Lewis said: "Bumper trade from a year ago gave us a stiff challenge this week."