John Lewis today publishes its trading update for the five weeks to 29 December 2012. Total sales were £684.8m, 14.8 per cent up compared with last year. Like-for-like sales were up 13.0 per cent. Compared with two years ago total sales were 25.5 per cent up whilst like-for-like sales grew by 20.1 per cent.
Compared with last year, Electricals and Home Technology sales were 30.9 per cent up. Fashion, including Beauty, was 10.4 per cent up whilst Home increased by 6.2 per cent.
Online sales for the five weeks were 44.3 per cent up on last year. Johnlewis.com now accounts for a quarter of the total John Lewis business.
The fourth week of the period (Sunday 16 December to Saturday 22 December inclusive) saw remarkable record sales of £157.8m, up 26.5 per cent on 2011 sales for the equivalent week and breaking through the £150m barrier for the first time.
The fifth week of the period (Sunday 23 December to Saturday 29 December inclusive) saw sales of £112.9m, up 11.5 per cent on sales for the equivalent week in 2011; a robust result with the highlight being a record day of £31.7m for the first day of Clearance on 27 December.
Andy Street, Managing Director of John Lewis, said: 'I am delighted that John Lewis has delivered record breaking sales figures over the Christmas period and the first five days of Clearance. In an economic climate which continues to be volatile, to have achieved these results is testimony to the strength of the John Lewis brand and the commitment of all our Partners to give outstanding service.
'The success of our online operation and our pre-eminence as an omni-channel retailer cannot be underestimated. Sales at johnlewis.com broke through the £800m milestone during December supported by an excellent performance from our Click and Collect facility which allows customers the flexibility to buy online and collect from John Lewis and Waitrose outlets.
'Above all, our success can be attributed to the inspiring and innovative products we offer our customers coupled with their trust that we will always provide the best quality and value and will always fulfil our "Never Knowingly Undersold" promise'.