Bad weather and Brexit cloud big-ticket buys at John Lewis

Chain says home furnishings face ‘real challenge’ as housing markets stalls but group finds solace in booming sales of ‘little pleasures’ The recent downturn on the high street is largely down to the weather but the uncertainty of Brexit continues to dampen demand for big household purchases, according to the boss of John Lewis.“October is going to look pretty grim for the market,” said Paula Nickolds, managing director of the department store, ahead of the op