Retail chain reports a 1.2% sales increase for first week of February, as customers lean towards new home ranges, including textiles and dining.
John Lewis described the 1.2% rise to £49.52m for the week to February 5 as "a pleasing start" to its financial year and. While the sales increase was only marginal, the department store chain was in "positive territory" overall, despite the majority of its branches reporting a decline on last year.

Home was up 1%, with new ranges popular among customers, and textiles and carpets reported a 3% rise in sales. Cooking and dining also saw gains on the same period last year, up 2% for the week.

John Lewis director of selling operations, Nat Wakely said that the retailer "will need to bear in mind for the next couple of months that the later fall of Easter and Mother's Day will affect the timing of our gift sales this half year."

Electrical and hoe technology was up 2.3% for the week, with strong performing categories, such as white goods, reaching double figures. Online sales were also pleasing, up 17% for the week.