Like-for-like sales grow across the partnership
Like-for-like sales continued to increase by double figures at John Lewis department stores last week, rising by 11.6 per cent for the seven days to June 24.

This year, sales have so far increased by an average of 11.3 per cent on a like-for-like basis.

Electricals and home technology continue to lead sales. The group said demand for widescreen televisions 'continues unabated'.

Childrenswear, toys and crafts were the only categories with sales figures down on last year.

Cooler, wetter weather also dampened sales of seasonal goods such as outdoor games.

The department store chain's clearance sale begins tomorrow, unhelpfully coinciding with England's quarter final with Portugal. The group said it was expecting a busy morning, with trade falling off rapidly in the afternoon.

At the group's supermarket chain Waitrose, like-for-like sales rose by 8.6 per cent last week. This compares to an average increase of 9.8 per cent so far this year.

The week's sporting events - including the Grand Prix and Royal Ascot as well as the World Cup - produced a strong uplift in trade for Waitrose. But the group said cooler weather than this time last year had had a negative effect on sales.

Fruit and vegetables performed well, as did beer, wine, meat and fish.

The grocer said it expected to trade well this weekend, with warmer weather forecast and England's World Cup match on Saturday.

Like-for-like sales across the John Lewis Partnership were up 9.6 per cent.

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