Tough week for John Lewis

John Lewis has had a tough week of trading as total sales fell short against a strong comparable period last year.

However, online trading and strong sales of electronics helped to boost its flagging performance.

Although total group sales fell by 3.5 per cent compared with the same period last year, online sales increased by nearly 70 per cent like for like during week seven. John Lewis customer services director Simon Fowler said: 'The online results continue to demonstrate the power of our multi-channel approach.'

Electronics was the retailer's strongest category this week. A 9.8 per cent increase in sales of laptops and digital music players rescued the sales pattern. Elsewhere, men's fashion stood out, although the rest of the clothing business found trading tough over the period.

John Lewis reported a further slide in its home category, with a 9.6 per cent fall in like-for-like furniture sales. However, grocer Waitrose was more positive, reporting sales up by almost 10 per cent.

The group's performance was underpinned by sales at Peter Jones, which rose by 2.6 per cent.