Department store chain reports sales increase in barbecues and garden furniture on the web, boosted by "recent hint of summer".
John Lewis' upward sales trend continued last week, up 16% for the week to May 1, compared with the same period last year. Home sales saw an 18% increase for the week and are up 19% for the year so far.

Within the home categories, furniture and beds "drew a significant response" from customers, explained John Lewis head of operational support Chris Hooper, while customers were also attracted to seasonal ranges online.

Outdoor living provided many of the key purchases on JohnLewis.com, as customers choose to buy into barbecues and outdoor furniture early in the season, thanks to the weather and what Mr Hooper described as "the recent hint of a summer to come".