John Lewis Partnership-owned supermarket chain Waitrose enjoyed bumper sales in the week to October 13, driven by the rugby World Cup and warm weather.

But England’s progression in the tournament slowed stablemate department store John Lewis’s sales.

Waitrose posted a 5.9 per cent jump in turnover. Supply chain director Mark Williamson said: “Another good week, with sales buoyed by good weather and the exploits of the English rugby team in Paris.”

John Lewis posted a 1.1 per cent increase, excluding its Oxford Street store’s new food hall, over the seven days. John Lewis director of selling operations for region A Nat Wakely said that its weekday increases were dragged back by sporting attractions and the weather on Saturday and Sunday.

Of its merchandise lines, John Lewis delivered a strong performance in menswear, leisure and beauty, furniture and textiles, electricals and home technology.