John Lewis has reported weekly sales up 9.8% in the final week of its Clearance Sale.

For the week ending July 17, fashion saw the strongest sales, up 20%, while the release of the Toy Story merchandise pushed toys up 11%.

Homewares sales were up 7% but this figure was against stronger figures a year ago.

With the worsening weather, most of its out-of-town shops put in a stronger week than the previous week with Bluewater leading, up 28%. Trafford Centre was next, up 16%, while Kingston and Cambridge notched up 14%.

Grocer Waitrose also reported a good week, with sales up 9.2%.

The ‘Delia and Heston Effect’ continued with Delia’s summer pudding ingredients selling well. Soft fruit was up 25% overall, with raspberries, redcurrants and blackcurrants up 50%, 267% and 163% respectively.

The cooler weather saw an increase in prepared vegetables, up 21%. The Seriously range of puddings and desserts were up by 60%, and the Menu from Waitrose range was up by 42%.

Overall, the John Lewis Partnership reported sales up 9.7% for the week.