Total Waitrose sales for the week to August 10 dropped 1.7% compared to the same period last year.

Ambient food sales declined 1.4% and non-ambient food was down 1.6%, while sales of home and general merchandise products tumbled 4%.

Waitrose & Partners supply chain director Wim van Aalst said: “In a week of changeable weather, sales of comfort foods such as Indian and Chinese ready meals proved popular with some customers while the scrumptious summer range continues to perform well.”