Waitrose boosts non-food range as JLP profits climb

Waitrose is to bolster its non-food offer with an enlarged range of clothing and homewares in its£4 million revamped Food & Home store in Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Managing director Steven Esom said that it could be a platform to introduce a stronger non-food range in larger Waitrose stores.

Waitrose revealed first-half sales up 11 per cent to£1.3 billion when parent John Lewis Partnership reported interims last week.

The grocer's like-for-like sales rose more than 5 per cent.

At John Lewis department stores, managing director Luke Mayhew said that 2 per cent like-for-like growth was 'solid' given the ravages of war, weather and London transport. Sales moved ahead to£1.03 billion.

Mayhew highlighted the outperformance of fashion and accessories, up 4 per cent on the back of a more contemporary mix.

Group turnover climbed 7 per cent to£2.3 billion, with pre-tax profits up 25 per cent to£42.2 million.