Infographic: John Lewis and Waitrose sales boosted by earlier Mother's Day

The retailer said sales in the week to March 5 advanced 7.7% to £78.2m, driving particularly “strong” sales in fashion and home, which reported uplifts of 9.8% and 11.7% respectively year on year.

Handbags and jewellery proved popular gift choices as sales jumped 24.2% and 21.1%. Fragrances also sold well, providing a boost to John Lewis’s beauty category.

In home, cooking and dining registered 14.2% growth compared to the same week in 2015. Sales of roasting products spiked 54% during the seven-day period as shoppers prepared to celebrate Mother’s Day with a traditional Sunday roast.

John Lewis added that sales within electricals and home technology edged up 2.3%, driven by “strong” performance from audio products.

Sister retailer Waitrose also enjoyed a sales boost as Mother’s Day fell earlier than last year.

The upmarket grocer’s sales were up 10.2% excluding fuel in the week ending March 5 as Waitrose stores reported its biggest ever day of flower sales on Saturday. Compared to the equivalent day last year, sales jumped 13%.

Despite the weather still feeling like the depths of winter for much of the country, the grocer’s spring produce also proved popular, as fresh produce sales increased 20% compared to last year.