John Lewis’ sales improve
RETAIL giant John Lewis is poised to post a strong set of financial results later this month as the department store chain returns to profitability.
The group’s half-year results, which will be reported on 16 September, are likely to show that the company has made its way back to pre-recessionary levels after sales through out its main business streams remained high.
During the six-month period, homeware sales, which make up more than a third of John Lewis’ business, rose by 17 per cent, bolstering the group’s profitability.
Sales in John Lewis’ clothing division contributed to the rise, having gained 17 per cent and marking the fastest departmental increase for the retailer. The group’s fashion business as a whole helped to push up half year figures after posting a 19 per cent hike on last year.
Meanwhile, sales in the electronics department climbed by 2.2 per cent.