Record Lewis sales lift High Street
JOHN LEWIS department stores enjoyed record sales in the first week of this month, boosting hopes of a bumper Christmas for Britain's high street retailers.
The group, which also has department stores in Oxford Street, Kingston and Brent Cross, plus Peter Jones in Sloane Square, said sales totalled £72m in the week to 8 December - the largest amount of money it has taken in a week. It added that the peak was yet to come, and sales so far this week were 6% higher than the equivalent week a year ago.
Harry Potter merchandise continues to sell, with a surge in demand for children's books, together with educational toys and pogo sticks. Adult treats included bread-makers, widescreen televisions and DVD players. Nigella Lawson's How To Be A Domestic Goddess book is proving popular, along with cashmere items and diamond and silver jewellery.
Merchandise director Nigel Wreford-Brown said sales had been boosted by the group's new internet site which was receiving more than 1,000 orders a day. 'E-commerce is really taking off,' he said. He said shoppers were returning to Oxford Street after shunning the West End in the aftermath of the 11 September terrorist attacks.
The figures come a day after official figures showed shoppers splashed out last month at the fastest rate since the late-Eighties boom. Spending is being boosted by the lowest interest rates in 40 years and record employment.
