John Lewis had a tough week last week as the warm weather hit footfall and sales at its stores.

In the week to May 30, like-for-like sales dropped 8.2 per cent for the department store, with footfall low across all of its branches – particularly on Friday and Saturday.

Sunglasses sales benefited from the sunshine, with a surge of 74 per cent on last year. Outdoor living sales also reached record levels, up 32 per cent on last year. 

John Lewis also said that electronics and home sales had been tough, but it is hoping that promotions and new press ads will help turn around the downward momentum.

Waitrose faired better, with the hot weather driving food sales up 11.7 per cent. Total sales grew 10.5 per cent to reach £84.4m.

The grocer said that many people stayed in the UK over the half-term and barbecue-related sales were the best in its history, up by 150 per cent on last year.

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