John Lewis Partnership has reported today that sales grew strongly at 6%, with Waitrose and John Lewis both outperforming their respective markets. Profit before tax and exceptionals is ahead of last year by 12%.
For Waitrose, sales continued to outperform the industry, for the 62nd consecutive month; market share increased to 5%. Total online services gross sales stood at £161m, with online grocery gross sales up 54%. Fifteen new branches have opened which is 11 more than in the same period last year.
For John Lewis, sales growth and market share increases across all categories. Online sales were £552m, up 25.6% and now representing over 30% of merchandise sales; shop sales increased by 3.6%. A new full line flexible format shop opened in York and first airport shop was opened in Heathrow Terminal 2.
Also today, Sir Charlie Mayfield (pictured), the group's chairman, said retailers would be forced to put up prices north of the Border, particularly if Scotland had a different currency from the rest of the UK.
However, Mayfield added that the company had no intention of reducing its presence north of the border, where it has nine shops, a contact centre and employs more than 3,000 people.