John Lewis has revealed online sales increased 56% during the week ending 9 January, when the UK was in the grip of severe snow storms and sub-zero temperatures. However, the adverse weather did have a negative impact on John Lewis store sales, which saw double-digit declines in like-for-like sales as shoppers avoided venturing outdoors.

Despite the drop in footfall to its stores, with some stores takings plummeting by almost 30%, the growth in web sales last week resulted in the group trading just 1.4% below last year.

The retailer said sales at its 28 department stores and one John Lewis at home store were £53.8 million, down from £54.6 million in the same period last year.

In contrast sales at Waitrose, John Lewis' sister chain, increased 22% to £92.5 million as shoppers stocked up on food and essential items during the adverse weather. Sales of corned beef and spam were up 70% and 40% respectively.

 

Andrew Murphy, John Lewis’s director of operational development, said:

“In perhaps the toughest week of a cold and snowy winter, it was heartening to see that Partners across the business were able to overcome even the very worst of British weather”.