Department store chain John Lewis enjoyed its best trading of the half-year so far last week, when sales rose 8.6% to £57m.

Seventeen of the retailer’s shops reported sales increases in the period to June 18, when fashion generated a 13.9% rise, electricals and home technology was up by 4.5% and home goods ahead 6.3%.

Revenues at the retailer’s online business were also the strongest of the half-year and climbed 45.6%. The retailer launched its site internationally during the period.

John Lewis Region A selling operations director Nat Wakely said it had been “a great week to precede the start of clearance”.

Sales at grocery chain Waitrose increased 7.6% over the week to £104.8m. Fathers’ Day helped lift sales of spirits. The range delivered its second best performance of the year, beaten only by the royal wedding weekend.