Customers of retailer John Lewis are ‘proving themselves to be resilient’ ahead of Christmas, the group has claimed. The department store announced that sales to Saturday, November 12 slipped 0.8% on last year, but an increase of 6% on the
previous week to £76.3 million.
The group said that strong performances came from home furnishing services, particularly floor coverings and the seven day express curtains service. Sales of bedding also increased significantly, as well as excellent sales of Christmas trees and gifts.
Andrew Murphy, Retail Director, John Lewis, said: “With very strong figures from last year against us, milder weather than is seasonal and the turbulent economic climate, our results show that our customers are beginning to think seriously about Christmas and making John Lewis their destination for purchases. They give us continued confidence that John Lewis' strong and innovative products, customer service and price matching will ensure our position as market leader on the high street over the festive season.”
The trading news came after the retailer’s Christmas television advertising air during the X-Factor over the weekend. Hailed as the 'best ever' by scores of John Lewis customers, it has had more than one million views on Youtube.>
Commenting on its success, Craig Inglis, Marketing Director at John Lewis said: “It's clear from comments in social media that with only 42 days to go, for many people the launch of the John Lewis advert signals the beginning of the countdown to Christmas. The performance of the advert's star, seven-year-old Lewis McGowan, seems to have captured the mood of the nation with many people commenting on the advert's focus of what Christmas is really about - the anticipation and joy of giving a thoughtful present to your loved ones.”
Customers of retailer John Lewis are ‘proving themselves to be resilient’ ahead of Christmas, the group has claimed. The department store announced that sales to Saturday, November 12 slipped 0.8% on last year, but an increase of 6% on the
previous week to £76.3 million.
said that strong performances came from home furnishing services, particularly floor coverings and the seven day express curtains service. Sales of bedding also increased significantly, as well as excellent sales of Christmas trees and gifts.