Early Mother’s Day boosts John Lewis sales

Department store group John Lewis today said the early arrival of Mother’s Day helped push sales up 14.3 per cent last week.

The employee-owned retailer also said it was a “huge week” for electricals, with sales in this department up 33 per cent on a year ago amid strong demand for tablet computers and white goods.

Overall, takings in the week to 9 March rose to £68.2 million, up from £59.7m a year ago, and all three of the firm’s Scottish stores enjoyed double-digit sales growth.

Sales in Glasgow were up 21.9 per cent, followed by Edinburgh at 17.5 per cent and Aberdeen with a 17.2 per cent increase.