John Lewis sales better as weather improves

The department store chain reported that more than half of its outlets –one of which is in Sheffield – improved on last year's sales, with trading on Saturday particularly strong.

The previous week's sales figures showed a 1.4 per cent decline as snow and ice kept shoppers away from stores during its peak clearance week.

John Lewis director Andrew Murphy said: "Once the temperature began to rise so too did our trade, with pent-up customer demand building from midweek and culminating in a great day's trade on Saturday."

Seven branches posted sales gains in the double digits, led by Trafford with an increase of 25.5 per cent. London stores also did well after Oxford Street grew sales by 8.8 per cent and Peter Jones in Sloane Square lifted by 15.4 per cent.

Fashion sales were up by 19 per cent, benefiting from strong revenues in cold weather products – in particular women's outerwear. Home goods increased by 15.4 per cent after the company delayed VAT increases on most products.

Freddie George, an analyst at Seymour Pierce stockbrokers, said: "As with last year at this time the market might be surprised with the robustness of consumer sales despite a more difficult macro economic outlook.

"In addition, there appears to be less discounting than there was at this time last year."