John Lewis sales rose a “healthy” 11.4% in the week to April 24, as its sister chain Waitrose achieved its highest sales growth of the year.

While growth at John Lewis slowed from last week due to the sunny weather, the department store group said fashion “stole the show”, with menswear and sports experiencing a  24.1% uplift. 

Homewares also sold well, as did seasonal items, driven by the warmer weather.

Online sales achieved a “great result”, rising 28.3%, with fashion sales doubling through the channel.

The retailer said its Leicester, Bluewater and Trafford stores achieved the best sales.

At supermarket chain Waitrose sales rose 16.5% - its highest sales growth of the year, when comparing normal trading weeks.

It said sales were “largely driven by hot weather” prompting outdoor dining and uplifts in sales of barbecue products.

The grocer said sales in party foods and nibbles grew as “customers gather with family and friends each Thursday to watch the live party leaders’ debates”.

It added that the ‘Delia effect’ continues, with last week’s seafood risotto recipe, promoted instore and in the media, saw frozen fruits de mer surge by 716%.

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