Sales at John Lewis were driven up last week by a strong performance in fashion as the retailer benefited from new season ranges.

Fashion sales at the department store chain rose 5.5% in the week to January 28. Womenswear revenues rose 11.4% and menswear sales climbed 3.8%.

Total sales increased 3.7% to £72.5m in what was the final week of its trading year.

Sales in the home department rose 1.9%, textiles and carpets were up 3.9% and furniture sales increased 2.3%.

In technology, sales rose 4.3% boosted by Apple and Microsoft products.

At sister supermarket chain Waitrose total sales excluding fuel in the week rose 3.3% to £121.9m.

January celebrations promotions

Sales of Chinese ready meals jumped 31% owing to the Chinese New Year. Malt whisky sales rose 11%, helped by Burns Night celebrations.

Alcohol sales across the board were strong. Wine sales rose 8%, while beer and spirits sales were up 7% and 9% respectively, and gin sales jumped 25%.

The cold weather meant sales of hot pies and vegetable accompaniments jumped by 43% and 20%, respectively, the retailer said.

Earlier this month, Charlie Mayfield, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said staff bonus would be lower this year owing to industry cost pressures.

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