John Lewis sales jumped last week due to the cold weather and the earlier fall of Easter this year. 

The department store retailer said sales spiked 24% in the seven days to March 31, thanks to seasonal shopping and strong tech sales.

Shoppers took particular interest in electricals and home technology, where sales advanced 32% year-on-year, a record for 2018.

Home sales grew 23%, driven by a 41% increase in gifts, cook and dine sales.

Fashion sales rose 18%, with beauty, wellbeing and leisure products performing strongest, up 26%.

Waitrose

The upmarket grocer said total sales advanced 19% on the back of Easter shopping.

Snacks, beers and wines performed well last week as shoppers stocked up on celebration supplies. Sales of baking products rose 49%.

Sales of home and general merchandise were up 19%.

Across the Partnership sales climbed 21% to £252.77m.

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