West Berkshire & North Hampshire

Figures compiled by John Lewis at home Newbury have revealed what the most popular products brought by West Berkshire residents were this summer.

The results, given exclusively to Buzz, have shown an interesting comparison between shoppers in West Berkshire and other regions, as well as telling us a little bit more about Newbury’s local shoppers.

Gardens

Newbury residents have not let the weather put a dampener on their summer plans and have brought more barbecues than shoppers in London, who choose picnic equipment, and the North of England, who opted for more outdoor lighting.

Outdoor toys

Whilst the adults are barbecuing, the children have been making the most of the outdoors with outdoor toys being big sellers this year. In London and the North, bubble guns were the highest sellers and were popular across the UK. In Newbury these were the second best sellers, the top seller being swingball showing that children in Newbury were emulating their summer sporting heroes by getting active outdoors.

Kitchenware

As the UK celebrated its many patriotic events this year, kitchenware departments saw a boost in sales as people stocked up on equipment for their street parties. People in London and the North prioritised the purchase of cutlery over anything else. In comparison, the top items sold in Newbury were glasses showing that patriotic Newbury residents enjoyed toasting to the Diamond Jubilee and Team GB.

John Lewis at home’s Newbury branch manager, Dominic Joyce, commented on the local shopping habits, “I like the fact that people in Newbury have remained positive about this year’s weather and have been investing in barbecues and outdoor toys. It’s good to see our home and outdoor departments have been selling well since the opening, showing that people are still purchasing items that make everyday life a little more comfortable.”