Mixed fortunes for John Lewis’ Scottish stores

Department store group John Lewis has reported an 8 per cent rise in sales to £91.7 million for last week, but its Scottish stores had mixed fortunes.

The employee-owned retailer said gadgets were among the best sellers, boosted by the launch of Apple’s iPad Air tablet computer. Fashion sales edged up just 0.7 per cent in the week to 2 November, but handbags “stole the show” with a 23 per cent jump.

Among the firm’s three Scottish stores, Edinburgh was the best performer, with takings 3.9 per cent ahead of the same week last year. Aberdeen grew 3.4 per cent, but Glasgow saw sales dip 1.5 per cent.