John Lewis and Waitrose buoyed by Queen's birthday and Euro 2016

Sales at John Lewis edged up 1.5% to £71m in the week to June 11, buoyed by its gift food category.

British heritage products proved particularly popular ahead of the Queen’s 90th birthday, driving sales in the division up 162% year-on-year.

John Lewis hailed “another great performance” within its electricals and home technology category, which registered an 11.4% boost in sales.

Electricals climbed 5.4% as both large and small appliances proved popular with shoppers, while tablets pushed communication technology sales up 23.7%.

The department store chain said its home division had a “steady” week, with sales edging up 1.1% compared to the same week last year.

However, fashion proved the blot on John Lewis’s copybook after sales declined 5.4% during a “softer” week.

John Lewis said the cooler weather meant sales of its summer lines were “slower” than usual, although swimwear and nightwear delivered 8.9% growth.

Sister retailer Waitrose posted a 5.1% increase in sales excluding fuel to £132.4m during the week, as the royal and sporting extravaganzas combined with sunny weather to boost performance.

Fresh produce reported a 10.8% uplift as shoppers stocked up for royal garden party and barbecue celebrations, while the upmarket grocer said sales of beer and cider advanced 20% as customers prepared for the start of the European Championships.

Football supporters also opted for “quick and easy” meal options ahead of the tournament, as sales of pizza grew 10% during the week and Indian ready meals also “performed well”.