The department store group reported a drop of just 0.5 per cent in the week to October 4, up from an 8.5 per cent fall the previous week.
Director of selling operations Nat Wakely said: “The week started slowly on Sunday due to the fabulous weather, but built to a crescendo at +14 per cent at the end of the week on Saturday, with the vast majority of branches commenting on the buzz that day’s trading had.”
The group said sales of clothing for the cold weather really kicked in for ladies-, mens- and childrenswear, and hot water bottles showed the greatest uplift at up 200 per cent.
Wakely added: “The week has started much stronger with the wet Sunday. This and the improvements to our seasonal assortment that are already showing success, gives us renewed confidence that we all have in a market-beating Christmas.”
Sales for Waitrose were up 1.9 per cent for the week as wines and spirits continued to perform strongly. The grocer said demand for roasting meats, root vegetables and soups increased and its Christmas ranges recorded some early sales.
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