Department stores up 12.3 per cent on last year
John Lewis department stores are 'well-placed to continue to prosper' as the key Christmas trading period approaches, with sales 12.3 per cent ahead of the same week last year.

Sales for the John Lewis Partnership as a whole were up to£121.1 million from£108.37 million for the week to October 21.

Supermarket chain Waitrose contributed£69.04 million to the figure, with Halloween ranges selling well.

John Lewis director of selling support Rob Collins said that a number of stores, including Solihull, Norwich and Aberdeen, were in 'powerful form'.

Echoing the feelings of many high street retailers, he said that 'fashions would welcome a cold snap', but added that women's shoes, handbags and own-label clothing had sold well last week.