John Lewis sales rise

Department store chain John Lewis posted another double-digit rise in sales last week as the nation’s wet weather proved favourable for its key household goods business.

The employee-owned retailer said on Friday its sales increased 18.3 percent year-on-year to £64.3m in the week to May 5.

April was Britain’s wettest since records began and the poor weather has continued into May.

“The weather continues to play a key role in what’s selling and what’s not, but overall another strong week at John Lewis,” said the firm.

“It seems that the wet launch into spring has played out in our favour with all three directorates trading ahead of budget and last year.”

John Lewis said homewares sales increased 14.1 per cent, while sales in the electricals and home technology division were up 47.2 per cent, boosted by demand for notebooks and Apple’s new iPad. Fashion sales growth was more subdued at 4.6 per cent.