Saturday's sunshine proved too tempting for shoppers as the department store chain experienced a 5.3% drop in trade for the week ending August 8.
After a successful July, with sales boosted by the 'staycation' trend, John Lewis reported a "much thinner trade" for the first week of August.

The high street chain finished the week to August 8, down 5.3% to £45.42m, mainly, it explained because of a weak Saturday. John Lewis managing director Andy Street said: "It was not, however, a surprise as the warm sunny day proved more of an attraction to our customers after a few wet weekends."

He added: "The change in weather revealed that our scores in July overstated our progress, and it is still a challenge to match last year's trade."

None of John Lewis' stores recorded increases on the year, however, John Lewis Direct notched up another good performance for the group, with its home directorate prospering particularly.

Home sales in store were down 7.2% but experienced a boost from the gift section, and a significant increase in both upholstery and cabinet furniture.

Mr Street concluded: "Not the start to the half we hoped for, but I suspect the weekly comparisons this half are going to be hard to read. Last year we traded relatively well in August and September but weakly when we faced the financial crisis of autumn. We must, therefore, stay in touch with last year's scores in the early weeks and then seize the opportunity October and November provide to record real progress."