Department store chain John Lewis generated a sales uplift of 13.3% last week “despite many distractions”.

The retailer reported it had to contend with hot weather, the World Cup and Wimbledon in the period to July 2, when sales reached £57.7m.

The preference of many consumers to stay at home was evident in the rise of online sales, which climbed 50%. Bluewater was the top-performing shop, posting a sales rise of 28%.

John Lewis launched its clearance Sale last weekend, and said there was a “creditable” 3% year on year increase on the Saturday and “double percentage improvements” on weekdays.

Fashion sales rose 15.4% over the week and home was up 13.1%. Electricals and home technology recorded a 10.1% advance.

Stablemate grocery chain Waitrose notched up a 12.4% sales rise to £97.3m over the week.

Sales of party products, in demand as a result of the good weather and sports events, were up 160% and barbecue meat was ahead by 75%.

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