Up-to-date coverage of the latest events in UK retail.

15:23 John Lewis Partnership weekly sales rise

Waitrose and Partners sales jumped 7.1% for the week ending April 13 with Easter themed goods boosting sales.

The grocer’s ambient sales spiked 10.8% and non-ambient produce edged up 3.9%.

John Lewis and Partners sales increased 4.8% for the same period driven by fashion and home sales, both up 10.4% and 6.9% respectively.

The department store chains electrical & home technology sales dipped slightly to 2.4%.

Total sales were up 6.2% to £215.30m across the partnership compared to an 11% decrease for the same period last year.

14:19 Karen Millen opens first travel location

Karen Millen has opened its first travel location with a new store fascia in Gatwick’s North Terminal. 

The 780 sq ft shop, opened ahead of the Easter long weekend, will “showcase an edit of the brand’s collection; including footwear and accessories, as well as a year-round holiday shop”. 

Customers will be able to purchase items tax-free both in-store and online. 

Karen Millen boss, Beth Butterwick said: ”Opening in Gatwick, which is a key travel destination, is another important step for Karen Millen as a global lifestyle brand’’.

07:42am Eve Sleep poaches Loaf finance boss Tim Parfitt

The mattress etailer has snapped up furniture retailer Loaf’s chief financial officer Tim Parfitt to take on the same role.

Parfitt will take up his new role on June 17, replacing former chief financial offer Abid Ismail, who departed the business last month.

Chief executive officer James Sturrock said: “Tim’s relevant experience and proven track record will add further momentum and support to eve’s rebuild strategy and focus on profitability. His appointment as CFO completes the new management line-up and on behalf of the entire eve team I welcome him to the company.”

07:37am Sports Direct to axe 300 jobs as it shutters Wigan warehouse

Sports Direct is set to close its warehouse in Wigan, Greater Manchester in June, with up to 300 roles to be cut as a result.

The warehouse is set to be closed on June 13 with staff informed of the decision yesterday, according to Wigan Today.

Impacted staff who work at the warehouse which supplies Sports Direct goods across the UK have reportedly been offered roles at the retailer’s primary distribution centre in Shirebrook.

07:15am Card Factory profits fall against “tough” consumer backdrop

Card Factory has recorded a decline in its full-year profits as sluggish customer footfall stunted the retailer’s sales growth.

The cards specialist reported an 7.3% downswing in underlying pre-tax profit to £74.6m in the year to January 31.

The retailer’s sales increased 3.3% year-on-year to £436.2m spurred by new stores as like-for-like sales dipped 0.1%

07:08am JD Sports posts record profits as sales sprint ahead

JD Sports posted a surge in full-year profit spurred by strong sales as boss Peter Cowgill says the business will “continue to exceed consumer expectations.”

The sports fashion retailer posted a 15.5% boost in pre-tax profit before exceptional items to £355.2 in the 52 weeks to February 2, while EBITDA rose a record 26.8% to £488.4m.

The retailer’s revenue spiked 49.2% year-on-year to £4.7bn.