Sales also expected to outperform market in second half reflecting strength of brand, says chairman
John Lewis Partnership has reported its interim results for the half year ending July 26th, 2014.
Partnership sales grew by six per cent, with both John Lewis and Waitrose outperforming their respective markets. Operating profits at John Lewis rose by 62 per cent (£22m), with the store reporting sales growth and market share increases across all categories. Gross sales in the first half were up 9.4 per cent to £1.87 billion, with like for like sales up 8.2 per cent.
Online sales stood at £552m, up 25.6 per cent and now represent over 30 per cent of merchandise sales. Shop sales, meanwhile, increased by 3.6 per cent.
John Lewis has also had an encouraging start to the second half of the year, with gross sales 11.3 per cent higher than last year (9.7 per cent like for like).
Chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield is also confident that both John Lewis and Waitrose will outperform their respective markets in the second half, reflecting the strength of both brands.
