Fashion and home deliver strong week for John Lewis

Fashion and home both delivered “superb performances” in the period to March 6, said merchandise director Jill Little.

Almost all of the department stores outperformed the previous year and 10 achieved double-digit uplifts. The Bluewater, Leicester and Oxford Street branches were all up more than 17%.

Menswear sales ahead by 24% helped fashion overall record a 21% advance. All home categories were ahead of last year while electricals and technology achieved a “respectable” 5% rise.

Little said: “The positive impact of Mothers’ Day and Easter was apparent in gifts and gift food where, despite the events being slightly earlier this year than last, comparative sales were still very strong.”

Stablemate grocery chain Waitrose’s turnover climbed 12.1% to £89.8m.

Waitrose personnel director Ailsa Emerson said that last week the retailer opened a new store in Storrington, West Sussex, and a Welcome Break franchise at Fleet motorway services on the M3.

“The store is our eighth Welcome Break franchise, with three more planned for the coming months,” she said.

Yesterday John Lewis Partnership posted full-year profits of £307m and staff were awarded a £151m bonus.

Little said: “While the weeks ahead look unpredictable and potentially challenging, the announcement of the Partnership bonus allows us to reflect on the year just gone with satisfaction and pride.”