Commenting on this week's trade so far, Nat Wakely, Director of John Lewis Selling Operations, said: 'Sales from Sunday to close of business on Wednesday are 27 per cent ahead of 2008 levels. We have seen superb sales of last-minute gifts, in particular in beauty, lingerie and gift food. 'We have had a cracking Christmas and are anticipating an equally strong Clearance, having bought in 15 per cent more bargains. Clearance starts online at 6pm today (Christmas Eve) and on 27 December in our shops (excluding Trafford which starts on 26 December). We have excellent products available at great prices from sofa beds to LCD TVs and washing machines to beauty gifts.'
Highlights:
Digital gifts continue to be popular with Sony eBooks up 36 per cent and kitchen radios +26 per cent.
Designer lingerie (including Stella, Myla and La Perla) saw an increase of 115 per cent. Across all lingerie categories the most popular colours are purple and red.
The cold weather was a factor in footwear purchases. Snow boot sales have trebled, wellies are +160 per cent and we have sold a pair of slippers every two minutes.
