Sales at John Lewis department stores rose 10.5% last week to £52m, driven once again by the fashion department.

In the week to Friday August 21 fashion sales climbed 15% on the back of strong demand for men’s and womenswear. New suit ranges and women’s outerwear did especially well.

Sales of home goods climbed 14% while electricals and home technology edged up 1%.

Online fashion sales rocketed by 93% and turnover through the website was up 26.4% overall.

The retailer reported that 21 stores were up year on year and eight beat their 2008 levels.

John Lewis retail director Andrew Murphy said: “All in all an impressive week’s trade, with bank holiday ahead of us and some exciting Autumn/winter product ranges providing freshness on the shop floor.”

Sister grocery chain Waitrose posted a 7.8% rise in weekly sales to £87.4m. Commercial director Mark Williamson said the rise was in the face of a tough comparison because of an unusually strong week’s trading last year.

Poor weather promoted a shift away from summer products and shoppers instead stocked up comfort foods such as soups and pies.

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