John Lewis records strong sales

Electricals and home technology enjoyed strong growth, rising 49.7% while sales it the department store’s home division rose 9.1%. Fashion sales crept up by 1.1%.

John Lewis’ Croydon, High Wycombe and Southampton stores all performed well while Leicester, Liverpool and Nottingham struggled.

John Lewis director of selling operations David Barford said: “Our strong trading performance over Easter continued into week 12 with divisional sales beating last year by 16.5%.

“Looking to the week ahead with the projected weather forecast seemingly in our favour and ever increasing interest in both London 2012 and Celebration of Britain merchandise we should be well placed to capitalise and produce another strong week of trade.”

Cold weather and strong comparitives against last year’s royal wedding caused year-on-year sales to plummet at Waitrose last week.

Sales at the upmarket grocer fell 11.3% to £107.17m in the week to April 21.

Waitrose personnel director Helen Hyde said: “Total sales at Waitrose last week were 11.3% lower than last year – however, the equivalent week last year does not provide a meaningful comparison as it was an Easter holiday week and customers were enjoying hot and sunny weather while they prepared to celebrate the royal wedding.

“In marked contrast, this year’s sales were heavily influenced by the cooler temperatures and rainy weather with warming dishes and comfort food topping customers’ shopping lists.”