John Lewis Liverpool trading likened to pre-Christmas

The new 230,000 sq ft John Lewis department store in Liverpool is trading at levels normally expected in November, according to Barry Matheson, head of selling development at the retailer.

The store has been well received since it opened on May 29 in Grosvenor's Liverpool One, relocating from Church Street and Basnett Street.

In his commentary alongside the sales figures for the week ending 9 August Matheson said: "The John Lewis Liverpool team has become quickly accustomed to levels of trade that would have taken until November to achieve in the old Basnett Street shop."

No breakdown was given for the value of sales or year-on-year increase for Liverpool as it is counted as a new store. Sales across John Lewis stores as a whole were up 9.3% to £47.99m compared to £43.91m in the same week last year.

The two Greater Manchester stores reflected the group's good week with Cheadle up 4.3% and Trafford 6.9%.

Matheson added: "Many branches commented on the effect of unsettled weather last week, which clearly drove footfall into our shops compared to a year ago. You only have to look at the catering result to see what a difference that makes; the trade was 29% ahead of last year, and that despite several major refurbishments going on in our catering outlets.

"All of the branches in our regional shopping centres comfortably beat last year."

The old John Lewis building in Liverpool will eventually house local DIY retailer Rapid Hardware when it relocates from Renshaw Street. In the interim, Marks & Spencer is preparing to occupy it for two years during a refurbishment of its store next door.