iPad Air could prove sales tonic for John Lewis

Department store group John Lewis is eyeing a sales boost on the back of Apple’s latest tablet computer after last week’s wet and mild weather knocked demand for its fashion ranges.

Apples latest tablet, the iPad Air, went on sale today. Picture: Getty

The retailer predicted that the iPad Air, which hit the shelves today, will drive “considerable traffic both online and in our stores” as it posted a 6.9 per cent rise in takings to £77.2 million for the week to 26 October. That was down from the previous week’s 8.4 per cent increase, with heavy rain affecting trade.

Edinburgh was its strongest performing store north of the Border, with a 6.6 per cent increase in sales. Aberdeen was up 4.3 per cent, while Glasgow eked out growth of 0.1 per cent.