Own-brand womenswear, furnishings and electronics all strong at department store chain

Department store John Lewis and stablemate supermarket chain Waitrose both posted strong results for the week to September 15.

Sales at John Lewis climbed 4.1 per cent to£119.9 million, lifted by strong sales across numerous categories, including own-brand womenswear, furnishings and electronics.

John Lewis head of selling development Barry Matheson said: “In the fashions buying directorate, own-brand womenswear and separates continued their fine run, with keenly priced cashmere to the fore. The home catalogue, combined with excellent availability, is helping furnishing areas, where there were excellent scores for beds and upholstery.”

He added that John Lewis's direct channel is starting to reap the sales rewards from its revamped web site and increased number of fashion products.

Fellow John Lewis Partnership-owned Waitrose toasted sales up 6.8 per cent for the week to September 15, as it benefited from the warm weather.

Fruit and vegetables and Waitrose's New World Wine Showcase selection of wines were strong categories for the supermarket chain.

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