Sales at John Lewis department stores fell 1.5 per cent in the week to February 21, while turnover at grocery stablemate Waitrose dropped 1 per cent.

The decline at the department stores was an improvement on the previous week, helped by the half-term holiday. The retailer reported that sales surged 12 per cent on the Sunday but the closing Saturday was adversely affected by good weather.

Electricals and technology was the best performing category, boosted by strong sales of TVs, set-top boxes, sat-navs, camcorders and cameras.

Childrenswear, toys and crafts generated a 10 per cent uplift week on week and beauty advanced 9 per cent year on year. The “Get fit after Christmas” campaign ended strongly, lifting the sports category by 14 per cent.

John Lewis selling operations director Nat Wakely said: “Trade was more difficult on home, despite continuing to experience strong sales on cooking and dining. The early fall of Easter last year means that the comparisons are more complicated to make, and indeed slightly harder, until we get closer to Easter this year.”

Waitrose supply chain director Mark Williamson said promotions proved popular. Pancake Day generated strong sales of relevant ingredients and frying pans, and sales of Easter eggs look promising so far.
The half-term holiday and good weekend weather led to a “fairly quiet” weekend following the “frenzy” of the previous Valentine’s week and overall food sales were down 0.6 per cent year on year.

The Six Nations rugby tournament helped speciality beer sales soar 125 per cent.

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