John Lewis sales rocket 22% as Olympic feel-good factor kicks in

Sales soared 22.4% to £63.33m in the week to August 4, with Olympics merchandise in particular selling well, rocketing 51% on last week.

John Lewis head of commercial format and implementation Tim Harrison said: “Undoubtedly, the feel-good factor of Team GB’s medal success has had a direct impact in uplifting sales, not only in our London shops but also in our branches throughout the country – certainly a great way to start the new half year.”

Electricals, home and technology sales surged 31.2%, driven by vision, where larger screen TVs sold well in the first week of London 2012.

Fashion sales were up 25.5% with menswear and sports the stand out categories.

Home sales grew 14.6% “despite customers’ focus being London 2012-based”.

Online sales motored, rising 44.3%. “There is no doubt that this growth is a function of a lot of things all coming together from hard work across the business,” said Harrison.

He added that the “outstanding click-and-collect growth also continues to underpin sales”.

Harrison said: “It is a great way to start the second half and gives us real confidence that we are well positioned for the rest of the year.

“As with gold medals, we only see the results and not all of the hard work that goes into them. Here, we have done a great job to position ourselves for success.”

Sister retailer Waitrose sales grew 9.7% to £108.7m as “patriotic pride” resulted in a surge in demand for home-grown groceries.

Waitrose supply chain director David Jones said: “Customers have been championing all things British.”

Home-grown cherries sales grew 25% at the upmarket grocer while the Heston from Waitrose Lapsang Souchong Tea Smoked Salmon sales rocketed 600%.

Sales of local and regional beers were up 31%.

Waitrose said as Brits prepared to entertain guests at home they contributed to a 35% surge in demand for cleaning products.