But own-brand electricals selling well
John Lewis has reported 'disappointing' sales, but the group says it is pleased with own-brand progress.

The partnership's figures for the week ending October 15, revealed this morning, showed that mild weather again held back sales of warm winter merchandise.

In the 11 weeks to October 15, department store sales fell 0.4 per cent and Waitrose sales were up 9.5 per cent compared with the same period last year.

However, JLP's Aberdeen store made progress, with an 11.7 per cent sales increase on last week, owing to the fact that Scotland did not enjoy the same unusually mild weather as the rest of England.

Electricals and technology were once again in demand at John Lewis, as electrical goods continued to outpace the market. High levels of sales from the group's new own-brand range of kitchen appliances bucked the downturn in the home furnishing sector, and there was encouraging performance in the group's furniture and textiles categories.