John Lewis reported strong bank holiday trade

Bank holiday weekend bad weather helped boost sales, with Saturday trading up 12% and ten branches, headed by Aberdeen, Cambridge and Newcastle, together seeing a 29% increase.

Overall, the partnership declared itself up 2.4% on this time last year, with a turnover of £51.54m.

All departments were over the line compared with last year, led by women's accessories and beauty, up 13%, womenswear up 4.1% and toys, nursery and baby delivering up 6.8%.

Meanwhile, the new seasonal gift ranges led to a 33% increase in sales, while upholstery was up 17% and bedroom furniture up 8%.

The store reports "a real sense of customer hunger" for new product lines, with home`s big-ticket audio telecoms out in front at 21%, small electrical 10.6% and large electrical at 7.9%.

With new seasonal deliveries arriving in force, the store reports a need to refocus on revitalising shop floor displays across the branches, with renewed attention to standards and customer service.

Sister supermarket chain Waitrose continued to do well. Sales rose 15.9% with outdoor food again doing well thanks to some good weather and the bank holiday.