Rise is against weak comparitives
Department store chain John Lewis recorded like-for-like sales up 7.2 per cent last week, during its first full week of clearance.

The average increase for the year so far is 10.5 per cent. Not counting the Direct business, which was up 95.3 per cent, same-store sales were up 4.2 per cent.

The group said it had a challenging first half of the week, but improved as it came up against comparisons that were affected by the London bombings last year.

Electricals and home technology continue to perform well and progress was also seen in fashion, particularly in womenswear.

At supermarket chain Waitrose, like-for-like sales were up 14.9 per cent. The group said the weather and sporting events such as Wimbledon were behind the strong performance. Outdoor fresh food, soft fruit, salads and beers all sold well.

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