Pace picks up for department store following temperature drop, with sales of Christmas merchandise ahead of last year and shoppers wrapping up in winter clothing.
John Lewis described last week's trading as "balanced", with a 7.2% sales increase and all main categories showing growth. Director of operational development Lesley Ballantyne explained: "The mild and sunny weather at the beginning of the week muted trade a little but the pace picked up as the week progressed and the weather got more autumnal."

Home reported a sales increase of 7.4% for the week ended October 16, with sales in Christmas trees and Christmas shop merchandise well ahead of the store's figures last year. Bathroom accessories were also popular, with a new towel range helping push bathshop up to a double-digit increase on the same period in 2009.

Fashion saw the highest growth, up 7.9% on last year, as sales of warm weather merchandise rose, including boots and cashmere ranges.

Ms Ballantyne added: "The week ahead sees trade last year lift towards the Christrmas period and, with stocks of seasonal merchandise in good supply, we are well placed to take advantage of the colder weather that has been forecast for the coming week."