John Lewis department stores recorded a 4.8 per cent dip in sales last week as the global banking crisis worsened and the sun came out at the weekend.

For the week to October 11, the department store group had a strong start, up 7 per cent on Sunday and 9 per cent on Monday, but sales slowed for the rest of the week.

The retailer’s Oxford Street branch performed best, as the recent refurbishment work on the ground floor led to double-digit increases, backed by strong fashion sales and the opening of the Christmas shop.

Childrenswear did best overall, as girlswear continuing to show double-digit growth. Womenswear also performed well, buoyed by accessories and beauty.

Grocer Waitrose recorded a 0.3 per cent fall in sales for the same week. The grocer said its promotions remained strong and its Meal Deal – backed by a TV ad campaign – delivered twice the anticipated volume in sales.

Waitrose’s Halloween sales were up 40 per cent on last year.

Topics