Clothing ranges perform well

John Lewis Partnership posted a strong set of trading figures at both its John Lewis department store and supermarket chain Waitrose for the week to September 8.

John Lewis reported sales up 5.5 per cent for the week, driven by a strong performance from its clothes and home decorative products.

John Lewis merchandise director Jill Little said: “It was an encouraging week for our clothing buyerships. Sales of own-brand ranges continue to exceed expectation, prompting increased confidence.” She added that both menswear and womenswear performed well.

However, the weekly increase of 5.5 per cent was significantly down on the 19.4 per cent jump for the same week a year earlier.

The sales slowdown was supported by JLP unveiling a sales and profit surge in its first half yesterday, but warning that the rest of the year would be “much more challenging”.

Sales climbed 7.5 per cent at stablemate supermarket chain Waitrose for the week to September 8, helped by a week of warm weather and increased sales from the return to school of the nation’s children.