Business news in brief: John Lewis | Samsung | John Swan & Sons

JOHN LEWIS posted yet another double-digit rise in weekly sales yesterday, as shoppers geared up for London 2012 with Games-inspired purchases ranging from TVs to Lego to replica Olympic torches.

The employee-owned retailer, which also runs supermarket chain Waitrose, said department store sales increased 11.2 per cent year-on-year to £63.8 million in the week to 21 July.

Aberdeen rose 14.6 per cent, Edinburgh was up 1.2 per cent and Glasgow edged ahead 0.7 per cent.

Galaxy helps push up Samsung profits

Samsung, the world’s largest technology company by revenue, has reported a 48 per cent jump in second-quarter profits, after customers flocked to its Galaxy smartphones.

The South Korean company posted a net profit of 5.2 trillion won (£2.9 billion) for the three months to June, on revenues 21 per cent higher at 47.6tn won.

Analysts estimate it sold 50 million smartphones in the quarter, including 6.5 million Galaxy S3 handsets.

Livestock auctioneer back in the black

Livestock auctioneer John Swan & Sons has swung back into the black after increasing revenues from its markets and keeping tigher controls on costs.

The Borders-based company posted a pre-tax profit of £184,508 for the year to 30 April, swinging back from a £63,551 loss in the previous 12 months.

The Aim-quoted firm, which holds auctions in St Boswells and Wooler, held its final dividend at 5p.