Grocer celebrates best week of 2007
Sales at the John Lewis Partnership rose 7.2 per cent to£114.1 million for the week to February 10, driven by strong trading at supermarket chain Waitrose, which had its best week of the year so far.

However, sales at John Lewis department stores were affected by the heavy snowfall, increasing just 3.5 per cent to£42.6 million for the week. Online sales rose 33.1 per cent.

John Lewis director of selling support Rob Collins said: '[Sales on] Thursday fell 17 per cent short of last year and some branches also had to contend with wintry conditions on Friday.'

However, the retailer remains hopeful about next week's figures, because half-term holidays should bring additional footfall.

Sales at Waitrose were up 9.6 per cent to£71.3 million for the week and like-for-likes rose 5 per cent, compared to last year.

Waitrose director of selling Geoff Salt said: 'South Wales and Worcestershire were the hardest hit by snow on Friday, but elsewhere experienced a recovery in sales and Saturday was a big trading day.'

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