• John Lewis sales up 5.3% to £75.3m
  • Waitrose sales up 3.4% last week to £126m
  • Total partnership sales up 4.1%

Sales at John Lewis increased 5.3% last week with new releases from Apple and Microsoft boosting the performance of its electricals division.  

Total sales at the department store chain hit £75.3m in the week to April 16. 

“Mobile phone sales continue to drive sales in technology, with the new Samsung S6 popular among customers,” the retailer said.

Homewares sales were also up 6.4% on the year, with strong demand for furniture, which was up 8.1%. 

Despite a 246% uplift in umbrellas, fashion sales were down 1% on the year as a result of the cooler weather.

The retailer said that the year-on-year comparisons were “no longer impacted” by the different timing of the Easter break. 

At its sister chain, Waitrose, sales rose 3.4% in the week to £126m. Popular ranges included Jersey royal potatoes, asparagus and strawberries.

This week, Waitrose revealed a partnership with Alibaba to sell products in China. An initial 30 products including biscuits, tea, coffee, cereals and nuts will be available from the Waitrose offer on the Royal Mail’s Tmall store, with more lines set to be added shortly. 

John Lewis Partnership’s total sales rose by 4.1% in the week to £201m, compared with a 9.9% slump during the same week last year. 

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