The department store chain reported a 1.3% uplift in total sales over the past week, as customers continued to enjoy shopping summer clearance.

Clearance sales had started well from the middle of June but had slowed due to warmer weather, with home categories down 3.9%. However, the week to July 6 saw shoppers making the most of discounts, as figures picked up.

Home sales were up 0.5% for the past week, with textiles and home accessories up 2.3% on the same period last year.

Gift food sales delivered strong results, with sales up 11.4%, whilst the electrical and home technology category saw a decline, with sales down 3.2%,

Earlier this month, John Lewis had reported a strong uptake in outdoor, DIY and gardening lines. Sales of outdoor furniture was up 13% for the week ended June 22, as customers snapped up woven and wooden furniture for their gardens ahead of the expected heatwave. Large electrical sales were up 7% for the period, driven by a 42% jump in sales of DIY and Gardening products.