DIYWEEK.net

Department store chain reports total sales of £88m last week as shoppers prepare their homes for the festive season, sending home categories soaring.
John Lewis reported significant increases in several departments for the week ending November 20, with sales up 12% on the same week last year. The total sales figure of £88m was also up 14% on the previous week and a record-breaking 29% jump on a two-year figure.

With consumers continuing to prepare their homes for Christmas, furniture, upholstery, rugs and beds saw an impressive saes uplift. The retailer's seven-day service for curtains and blinds also beat previous records for this time of year, while several branches reported strong sales of sewing machines.

Fashion products also had a strong week, as the cold weather encouraged sales of gloves, hats and scarves.

John Lewis operational development director Lesley Ballantyne said: "We are delighted with last week's excellent result, particularly as we are up against very figures from last year."