Waitrose said a strong performance in its alcohol category over the bank holiday weekend fuelled an overall sales increase at the upmarket grocer last week.

Waitrose generated sales of £131.46m in the seven days to September 2 – up 3.4% year-on-year.

It attributed the rise in part to promotions on wine and champagne, as well as the warm bank holiday driving a 21.6% sales rise in its beers, wines and spirits category.

Sunny weather also contributed to sales of ice lollies – up 16% and sun cream – up 27%.

John Lewis department store

Meanwhile, at John Lewis department store, sales slipped 0.5% last week to £87.1m.

In its home department sales declined 5.5%, which the retailer put down to the annualising of price match promotions in the same week last year.

It said, however, that bed sales were strong – up 4.7%, as well as garden furniture – up 8.5%.

Fashion sales edged up 1%, which included a strong performance of beauty products – up 11.5%.

Within its electronics and home technology division, wearable technology was the star performer, with sales up 52% year-on-year.

Across the partnership, sales increased 1.8% to £218.52m.

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