John Lewis sales jumped last week as the early launch of its summer Clearance offset the economic turmoil caused by the EU referendum.

JohnLewis weeklysalesJune25

JohnLewis weeklysalesJune25

The department store chain reported a 7.3% increase in sales to £96.68m during the week ending June 25.

Electronics and home technology was the star performer for the week, as sales spiked 10.2%.

Sales in John Lewis’s home category surged 9.5%, while fashion sales climbed 4.1%.

Communication technology led the way in the retailer’s electricals and home technology category, as sales grew 19.3%, with TVs also selling well.

Outdoor living recorded a 9.7% sales uplift despite the unpredictable weather seen in some parts of the country.

Furniture sales rose 14.2%, with sales in beds and bedroom and living dining advancing 19.7% and 19.4% respectively.

However, sales at sister retailer Waitrose sales slipped 0.7% to £125.42m during the week to June 25.

The upmarket grocer attributed the dip in sales to a strong comparable week from 2015, which enjoyed warmer weather and featured higher advertising spend to promote the launch of its Pick Your Own Offers initiative.

A combination of the European Football Championship and England’s rugby success in Australia helped drive a 9% increase in beer sales.

Waitrose added that its newly launched Omega 3 enriched chicken enjoyed “very strong” sales during the week and already accounts for 6% of the retailer’s total poultry sales.