John Lewis department store sales advanced last week driven by shopper interest in audio and connected devices.

The department store retailer reported a 1.7% year-on-year uptick in sales in the seven days to February 10.

Home electronics proved popular, spiking 9.1% during the period. 

Fashion held steady – up 2.1%. Cold-weather clothing performed particularly well, with sales up 11% year on year, while womenswear sales grew 5.4%.

The retailer’s performance was dragged down by a 6.3% slump in home sales despite, it said, renewed interest in outdoor and bedroom furniture – up 16%.

Waitrose

Sales at upmarket grocer Waitrose edged up 1.7% last week, driven by sales of Valentine’s Day favourites such as Champagne, flowers and bakery.

Beer, wine and spirits also performed well, with beer sales up 27%, gin up 14% and imported whiskey up 29%.

JLP

Across the partnership, sales inched up 1.6% to £202.2m.

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