John Lewis has subdued week

Department store giant John Lewis managed a 9 per cent increase in sales in the week to June 9, but managing director Andy Street described the performance as 'subdued' because it was against soft comparatives from last year.

Furnishings and home accessories bucked market trends to record strong weekly sales and electricals and kitchens also did well. However, clothing was weaker.

The out-of-town stores, Scottish outlets and Oxford Street branch delivered particularly strong performances, while Brent Cross and Liverpool were the weakest.

Waitrose had a soft week, with sales up 2.2 per cent, although it was up against very strong World Cup comparables from last year. Two of its regions had a fall in sales, but the company said its central London stores held up well, including Kensington High Street, despite the opening of Whole Foods Market just along the street. The supermarket chain's outdoor ranges continued to perform strongly, helped by the warm weather.