Back to school buoys John Lewis sales

Fashion sales were helped particularly by back to school trade with sales up 1.7% on last year.

John Lewis Direct once again experienced double-digit growth, delivering a 24% sales increase against the same week last year. Its online store now has 57 apparel brands available on the site.

John Lewis commercial director Andrea O'Donnell said: "By the end of the week we will be annualising against weaker figures after the collapse of the first big financial institution last year. I see every reason for a mood of quiet optimism."

Food sales at Waitrose grew 6.8% on last year. It said that shoppers were beating the post-holiday blues with cooked breakfasts. Sales of sausages were up 10% for the week with bacon sales up 9%.