John Lewis sales rise as customers get into the festive spirit

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John Lewis saw a 4.4% rise in sales last week as its customers began preparing for Christmas.

The department store chain, which launches its Christmas TV advert this weekend, said it achieved double digit sales increases from its Christmas shop and gift food in the week. Sales of Christmas trees were also strong, with an uplift of 50% on last year.

Fashion sales performed well, up 10.9% on last year, due to "outstanding" results from both branded and own-brand clothing as the retailer price-matched a competitor's event. Home also had a good week, delivering a 3.7% increase on last year. It was a slightly tougher week for Electricals and Home Technology with sales down by 1.4%.

Of the stores Oxford, Street, Peter Jones and Kingston were the best performing with sales up 4.2%, 3.2% and 2.5% respectively. Online sales were up 20.6%.

Suzanne Given, buying director, Fashion & Beauty, John Lewis, said: So altogether a solid performance as we enter the all-important final quarter. 

"It is beginning to feel like Christmas and, with a bit of ground frost on its way, we will look to retain last week's momentum as we trade into November."

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