John Lewis & Partners says the ‘war on plastic’ has been a major influence in its sales over the past year. The department store has published its annual retail report on ‘How we shop, live and look.’
Sale of reusable bottles continues to grow, increasing by 15% over the past year. The recent addition of portable cutlery have seen a 176% increase in sales. With the forthcoming ban on plastic straws, consumers are investing in stainless steel reusable straws – with sales up by a whopping 1573% for John Lewis & Partners.
Highlighting its launch of collapsible coffee cups, reusable travel cutlery and reusable beeswax sandwich wrappers over the last year, JL&P’s report states: ‘Travel mugs, reusable water bottles and lunch boxes are now everyday essentials. A growing range of brands are innovating with new materials and designs so staying eco-friendly while eating your leftovers is not a problem.’ It acknowledges: ‘One water bottle might not be enough and customers are purchasing a range of sizes and styles for their gym bags, commutes, desks and handbags.’
Products that have declined in popularity include the fish kettle – delisted by the retailer this year due to the decline in formal dinner parties. Oven to tableware declined by -8% and soufflé dishes are falling out of vogue as more consumers choose to cook and entertain with simple, hearty, one-pot meals. Hence casserole dishes are increasing in popularity.
Cocktails shaker sales have dropped by 20% – but home bars are ‘big news,’ according to JL&P. Drinks trolleys are up 136% and decanters are back in vogue. With the trend for artisan spirits and infused tonics, consumers are becoming home mixologists, with spirit measurer sales up 33%.
According to John Lewis & Partners, home organisation expert Marie Kondo ‘kick-started the tidy revolution’ in January, pushing sales of storage boxes up 47%. Meanwhile the hot summer weather contributed to a 120% increase in the sale of fans.
Looking ahead to 2020, the retailer predicts the increasing popularity of the pressure cooker and for growing food in small urban settings.
The report also highlights the continued rise of experiential shopping stating that: ‘With the high street under more pressure than ever, experience is set to play an even more vital role when consumers “pop to the shops”. Transforming shops into destinations is high on the agenda for next year.’
Top: Sales of drinks trolleys are up by 136% – image from John Lewis & Partners’ retail report: ‘How we shop, live and look.’
