Infographic: John Lewis sales growth held back by icy conditions in North

The retailer said sales growth to £74.25m in the “disruptive” conditions was “respectable”.

John Lewis director of selling, North and new format Maggie Porteous said: “Our indomitable drivers are to be congratulated on reaching shops and customers’ homes to make this possible.”

Online sales rose 10.5% on last year, driven by fashion.

Overall, sales in clothing increased 4.9%, powered by babywear and menswear.

Home sales increased 3.9% as shoppers snapped up new lines, in particular its Fusion collection.

However, John Lewis said the “going was tougher” in electricals, traditionally a strong performing category for the department store group. Sales were down 3.5%.

Porteous said: “With clearance now behind us and new stocks starting to flood in we are starting to feel the new season strongly both in our shops and on our website. And with the launch of our latest Home catalogue this week, the spring season will get a real kick start.”

Waitrose sales rose 3.7% to £119m last week as preparations for Burns Night drove sales of Scottish items including whisky and oatcakes.

The upmarket grocer also benefitted from its Big Half Price Event.

Customers also stocked up on comfort food in the cold weather, with Indian ready meals up 21%.

Demand for Waitrose LoveLife Calorie Controlled ready meals has “continued to increase” as customers kept up their healthy New Year resolutions, Waitrose commercial director Mark Williamson said.