UK: John Lewis reports sales boost

Department store chain John Lewis today said it received a welcome trading boost after weekly sales improved 3.7% on a year earlier.

The retailer achieved a sales increase every day of the week from Monday onwards, with sales on Saturday up 18% because of favourable trading comparisons against hot weather for the same week in 2007.

Five branches reported sales increases, led by London’s Oxford Street and Knight & Lee at Southsea, while relocated stores at Cambridge and Liverpool also beat sales targets.