Like-for-likes climb
Sales at John Lewis department stores held up well in the second week of clearance, despite some wet and windy weather.

Like-for-like sales were up 8.3 per cent for the week to January 6 against the same period last year, significantly bolstered by New Year's Day trading. Total turnover neared£56 million. Trading for the 23 weeks to January 6 was up 11 per cent on the same period last year.

All categories - aside from childrenswear, toys and crafts, which was down 1.6 per cent on last year - were in positive territory.

At the group's supermarket chain Waitrose, like-for-like sales were up 14.1 per cent, marking 'another very good week, to complete a most successful seasonal trading period'. Sales so far this year are up 11 per cent on last year. The grocer said that people returning to London after the Christmas holidays gave it a lift in trading in the region.

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