Weather wise: Online boost for John Lewis

JOHN Lewis yesterday booked a further steady rise in sales as heavy snow across much of England at the beginning of February prompted shoppers to switch to its internet offering.

The employee-owned retailer – often seen as a bellwether for the high street – said sales rose 4.1 per cent to £52.3 million in the week to 11 February. Its Aberdeen store was singled out as a star performer with a 7.4 per cent year-on-year rise in takings.

However, it was online trading that saw the strongest gains, with sales at Johnlewis.com up by 43.9 per cent.

Director David Barford said: “The start of the week saw the winter bite with snow across much of the east and south of the country, but overall we had a positive week – an endorsement of our multi-channel approach.”

The chain’s other Scottish department stores had contrasting fortunes, with Edinburgh down 3 per cent and Glasgow up 0.6 per cent.