Sales at John Lewis department stores slid 2.9 per cent to£45.6 million for the week. However, online sales soared 25.4 per cent. John Lewis director of customer service Simon Fowler said: 'We were up against the biggest week of the half from last year, excluding clearance and the stark contrast in the very warm weather compared to last year was never going to be helpful.
'A change in weather has produced some excellent trading as we enter half-term week.'
Sales at supermarket Waitrose jumped 9.6 per cent to£76 million for the week, despite the wet and cold bank holiday weekend. The grocer said family roasts were very popular, with meat and vegetable sales benefiting.
Separately, John Lewis department stores has appointed Gill Barr to the newly created role of marketing director with effect from June 4. John Lewis managing director Andy Street said: 'The new board role of marketing director will be key in supporting our plans for substantial growth over the next decade.'
Commercial director Phil Hullah, who is responsible for John Lewis Direct, will also become a systems director, with effect from June 18.
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