John Lewis reveals spike in sales of eco-friendly cutlery, straws and water bottles... while mantel clocks are on their way out

Middle class consumers are heeding warnings over plastic pollution with a significant spike in sales of eco-friendly reusable cutlery, straws and water bottles, John Lewis has revealed.

Portable, travel cutlery sets have become increasingly popular as environmentally conscious customers eschew throwaway plastic varieties, with sales rising 176 per cent last year.

The sale of eco-friendly, stainless steel reusable straws has also increased by a staggering 1,573 per cent, according to the company's annual retail report, published today.

Within the last year, John Lewis has launched collapsible coffee cups, reusable travel cutlery and reusable beeswax sandwich wrappers.

A spokeswoman said that the portable cutlery sets, which come in a compact case, were in part due to a rise in people taking their own lunch to work.

Elaine Hooper, cookshop buyer, said: "We've seen a huge rise in the modern day lunchbox as our customers are becoming increasingly aware of food wastage and are making a conscious effort to use up any leftovers.

“Reusable water bottles aren't showing any sign of slowing down and some of customers have as many as five different types of water bottles, one for the gym, one for the office and even ones for different sized bags so they're always prepared."

Stephen Cawley, head of sustainability and responsible sourcing, said the change in buying patterns showed “a growing shift” in the approach to sustainability and how we are impacting the environment.

“Our customers are becoming increasingly aware of the products they are purchasing and where these products come from,” he said.

The sale of reusable water bottles jumped by 15 per cent in the week preceding the Glastonbury festival, which banned single use plastic.

In fashion, the trend for mini skirts and the flashing of flesh has been replaced with a desire for more conservative dressing and covering up.

The sale of maxi dresses soared by 179 per cent during the Christmas party season last year, while midi dresses saw an increase of 152 per cent.

Oversized dresses, shirt dresses and oversized cashmere sweaters also proved popular last winter, with the retailer naming the Duchess of Sussex as the look’s “style icon”.

A 66 per cent spike in the sale of black jumpsuits in March was attributed to the release of the second series of cult television hit Fleabag, whose protagonist, played by Phoebe Waller Bridge, donned one to great acclaim.

The humble swimsuit also made a return, with one pieces outselling bikinis. while holidaymakers looked to cover up with floor skimming kaftans and sundresses.

Meanwhile, clutch bags and women's suspenders fell out of fashion while sales of luxury loungewear and sports headbands soared.

At home, consumers are choosing to add a touch of opulence, with one third buying items of brass, copper, velvet or marble.

As more people choose to stay in and entertain at home rather than go out, the sale of drinks trolleys rose by 136 per cent and spirit measurers by 33 per cent.

The increasingly informal approach to hosting and the rise in popularity of the one-pot meal, saw sales of oven to table dishware, cocktail shakers and souffle dishes  decline. Fish kettles have proved so unpopular that the retailer has stopped selling them altogether but predicts a comeback for the traditional pressure cooker.

While the mantel piece clock was once the centrepiece of every living room but is also on its way out.

Sales have plummeted by 30 per cent as consumers use their ever present mobile phones to check the time or turn to voice activated speakers.

Similarly, the increasing quality of smartphone cameras is thought to be responsible for a 33 per cent drop in camcorder sales, while the sale of landline phones has also dropped by 20 per cent.

Sales of supersized 8K television screens rose by 17 per cent while sales of 82-inch screens rising by 377 per cent.

Simon Coble, trading director at John Lewis & Partners, said: "As a destination for customers during key life moments and big decisions, understanding how the nation shops, lives and looks remains at the top of our agenda."

Drones

They had become some of the retailer’s best selling gadgets.

But John Lewis has revealed it stopped selling drones last December following the disruption the devices caused at Gatwick Airport.

Britain's second-busiest airport was shut down for three days last year following reported drone sightings, affecting roughly 140,000 passengers and 1,000 flights.

The police investigation closed without anybody being charged.