John Lewis sees strong sales

The employee-owned firm, which is seen as a bellwether of the UK retail sector but has been outperforming competitors for over six months, said sales at its 28 department stores and one "at home" store increased 17.7 per cent to 55.1m in the week to May 8.

"Week 14 proved a splendid week's business ... Undoubtedly we were helped by cool weather on both the bank holiday weekend, and last Saturday; perfect for spring shopping," said managing director Andy Street.

"I suspect it's going to get tougher for us, but we are certainly very well placed against our competitors."

The week's outcome was driven by a 21.8 per cent increase in sales of homewares and a 20.9 per cent rise in fashion sales. Sales in the electricals and home technology category rose 6.9 per cent, stoked by demand for televisions ahead of the soccer World Cup.

Britain's retailers are slowly emerging from a deep recession but are divided whether the recovery will continue, with some concerned the new government's commitment to swiftly cut the public deficit will damage consumer confidence.

On Tuesday, a British Retail Consortium survey said retail sales fell at their sharpest annual pace in more than a year in April, although the figures were skewed by the timing of Easter