John Lewis has recorded a 7.5 per cent sales lift for last week and revealed its store at the new Highcross scheme in Leicester had “an outstanding first week”.

For the week ending September 13 the strongest branch was Oxford Street, which was helped by good trade in fashion and at its foodhall. Bluewater recorded another good week, up 9.4 per cent, but some of the other stores were down, including Brent Cross down 0.6 per cent and Milton Keynes down 1.2 per cent.

John Lewis director of selling operations Dan Knowles said Leicester beat budget by a handsome amount and laid strong foundations for future success. Its fashion performed well but the store also received interest in longer lead time products such as floor coverings and fitted kitchens.

Sales at Waitrose climbed 0.6 per cent for the week with cooler weather encouraging shoppers to switch to more autumnal eating and drinking. Lines to benefit included fresh soup, which was up by 38 per cent, and home baking and cooking ingredients, which showed double-digit growth.

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