John Lewis and Waitrose reported soaring weekly sales as Easter and warmer weather drove fashion and seasonal food purchases.

The department store retailer posted an 11.7% rise in sales to £84m in the week to April 15 bolstered by sales rises across all of its product divisions.

Fashion sales rose 10.3% as shoppers snapped up items for warmer weather, with women’s casualwear up 41% and menswear up 14.4%.

John Lewis’ sales of home products increased 11.1%, driven by a 260.9% leap in season gift food purchases and 15.7% rise in cooking and dining items as shoppers prepared for Easter.

Electricals and home technology sales surged 15.2%, bolstered by a 25.5% rise in sales of communication technology.

Waitrose sales

Sister retailer Waitrose reported a 25.5% jump in sales excluding fuel to £157.8m during the period, although the retailer warned figures were “heavily distorted” by the comparatively late arrival of Easter.

Shoppers banked on sunny weather for the Easter festivities – barbeque staples such as frozen burgers and sausages jumped 127%, while children’s ice lollies and ice cream sales increased 104% and 43% respectively

Customers chose to exercise their green fingers in the warmer weather as purchases of outdoor plants grew 57%.

Across the Partnership, sales rose 20.3% to £242m.

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