John Lewis’ Waitrose boosted by students

The John Lewis Partnership, which is regarded as a barometer of British retailing, today announced that sales grew 11.7% to £56.5 million in the week to 18 September, compared with the same period a year ago.

The renowned employee-owned department store said trade had been boosted by a strong increase in fashion sales.

However, sales at its Waitrose supermarket chain surged ahead, boosted by students stocking up on ready meals for the start of the new university term.

Sales at the chain grew 8% to £89.1 million in the week, highlighting Waitrose’s current position as one of the UK’s fastest growing supermarket.

According to the group, “lasagne and bolognese bakes shot up by 328 and 321 percent respectively, with sales of Italian ready meals at Waitrose increasing by 50 percent.”

Furthermore, sales of instant ‘cup a soups’ jumped with minestrone seeing a jump of 192%.

Commenting on the figures, managing director Andy Street, said: “The … increase kept up our momentum, and was, we suspect, well ahead of the market. This ‘outperformance’ is just what we are intent on delivering right through to Christmas and Clearance.”

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