Christmas trading results so far have shown a mixed bag, with some clear winners and losers across fashion, food and general merchandise.
Marks & Spencer secured a place on both lists, with general merchandise sales falling by almost double analysts’ estimates over the Christmas period, while food sales reached a record high.
Fashion retailers have blamed mild weather and the timing of Black Friday for poor sales.
Data from retail research body Springboard shows footfall across UK high streets dropped 3% over the Christmas period, as shoppers favoured online shopping and retail parks.
Losers
Marks & Spencer
General merchandise sales results fell by 5.8%, almost double that predicted by analysts.
Next
Sales at Next high street shops fell by 0.5% over the period, but rose by 2% at its Directory arm. The fashion retailer has blamed the mild weather for poor sales.
Winners
Marks & Spencer
In contrast to general trading, M&S food sales rose by a record 17%.
Poundland
Budget retailer Poundland said overall sales were up 29.4% in the 13 weeks to 27 December, compared to the same period last year. It said the recent purchase of 99p Stores had lifted its revenues to £424.9m.
John lewis
John Lewis performed well over what the retailer described as the “three peaks” of the Christmas period – Black Friday, Christmas and post-Christmas trading. Sales rose 5.1% in store, and 21.4% online. Like-for-like sales at Waitrose, which is part of the group, fell 1.4%.
Foyles
The popularity of a new satirical Ladybird book series boosted sales at Foyles bookshop, where it saw a like-for-like increase in sales of 4.7%. Book sales rose 5% in the run-up to Christmas.
Jigsaw
Fashion retailer Jigsaw posted a 19% rise in sales. It reported a 12% lift in like-for-like sales in the five weeks to 2 January, taking total sales to £14.2m.
Mamas & Papas
Babycare retailer Mamas & Papas saw like-for-like sales rise 18% in the six weeks to 3 January, posting profits of £12m. The company said at its peak, it was selling one pushchair every 10 minutes during store opening hours.
