John Lewis reports growth in sales figures over the last week, with sales 7.1% up on last year – its strongest day being Saturday, which was up by 21.8%. Its London and Southern shops continued to compete with last year's Olympics comparatives, while the Northern stores delivered a 10.5% increase on last year, with Chester topping the table at 24.6%, Trafford at 19.6% and Glasgow at 14.8%.
However, there was hope in the South as Swindon achieved a very positive result at 16.8% and Milton Keynes' refurbished shop continues to find favour with John Lewis customers, coming in second with 21%.
Home sales were up by 1.2% on last year, with the best increase coming from textiles and carpets at 5.2%, but furniture was not to be outdone and came in at plus 5.9%, with beds and bedrooms at 21%, living and dining at 16.2% and fitted furniture at 13.2%.
