At John Lewis department stores, sales increased 11.9 per cent to£45.6 million. John Lewis customer services director Simon Fowler said: 'With Easter Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday figures against us from last year, we were always certain to get week 12 off to a cracking start. The rest of the week was heavily influenced by the sunshine with warm weather merchandise taking a convincing lead.'
Women's fashions - particularly sunglasses and summer footwear - performed well, with a return to form from branded ranges. Increases in menswear and childrenswear also reached double figures, as did furniture and textiles.
Sales at Johnlewis.com rose 56.4 per cent, as some customers stayed at home to enjoy the weather.
Fowler added: 'The support shown from both branches and buying teams for The Big Day promotion, which touches on so many assortments and services vital to our Gift List trade, is already showing benefit.'
Sales at Waitrose rose 24.8 per cent to£74.84 million for the week, well ahead of budget. Again, sunshine was largely responsible, with the company reporting strong sales of barbecues, soft fruits and salads and wines and beers.
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