New and clearance stock selling well
John Lewis Partnership had another robust week of trading last week, with sales up 12.9 per cent for the week ended Saturday January14.

The retailer notched up 50 per cent growth in online sales and the Oxford Street store was up 11 per cent. The best product group was electricals, up 20 per cent. The menswear, leisure and beauty category was up 16 per cent and womenswear enjoyed strong growth of 15.2 per cent.

Meat and fresh fruit drove sales at Waitrose, as trading returned to normal following the Christmas period. London sales were bolstered by shoppers re-stocking core grocery items after returning to from the Christmas holidays. Total sales at the grocer were up 8.9 per cent during the week.

John Lewis director of customer services Simon Fowler said: 'Clearance stocks are still selling well, although where new stock is starting to come through it is clear that further sales are also being gained. Spring promotions have started in earnest.'