John Lewis like-for-likes on the up

John Lewis department stores reported like-for-like sales up 11.6 per cent as it entered the first week of its second half of trading.

The group said out-of-town shops performed better than those in city centre locations.

The electricals and home technology division continued to lead the sales table, with like-for-likes up 24.6 per cent. The growth in vision and large electricals was the most prominent.

Menswear, both own-brand and branded, led the fashion departments.

E-tail business John Lewis Direct doubled last year's sales, with like-for-likes up 106.7 per cent on the same week last year.

At supermarket chain Waitrose, like-for-like sales were up 12.4 per cent, despite the mixed weather. However, the group said sales of more than£68 million were below budget.