John Lewis sales down 0.2% last week

Fashion sales rose by 1.4% as trade in the category was boosted by the popularity of the retailer’s own brand range Modern Rarity. In addition, sales of beauty, wellbeing and leisure products were up 11.2% as customers bought gifts for Valentine’s Day.
Electrical and home technology sales were also up, increasing by 0.4%. Growth was driven by sales of communications technology products which increased by 6%.
Sales within the home category declined by 1.5% year-on-year despite an 8.5% uplift in sales of accessories and gifts.
This week John Lewis is launching US furniture and home accessories brand West Elm in its Southampton and Welwyn shops.