John Lewis has reported mixed results as poor home sales were offset by a strong performance in fashion at the tail end of its clearance.

Sales at the department store retailer advanced 2.6% year on year to £79.4m in the seven days to January 20.

Fashion was the star performer, up 7%, driven by cold-weather clothing and own-brand clothing, up 22% and 5% respectively.

Home sales slipped 0.5% overall, but the retailer said furniture sales grew 1.9%. 

Sales in its electrical and home technology category advanced 2.6% year on year.

John Lewis pointed out that the January fitness trend boosted sales in this department, with shopper preference shifting from fitness watches to fitness trackers.

Waitrose’s sales were up 1.3% year on year to £121.9m during the period, as the upmarket grocer recovered from the post-Christmas plummet.

Waitrose said its response to the health food trend was paying off, fuelling stronger sales. 

John Lewis Partnership sales grew 1.8% to £201.8m in the week.

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