Sales at the retailer rose 9.1% for the week to July 10, 2010, according to the latest weekly sales report.
The company enjoyed a good second week of clearance, with only Saturday recording a decrease due to the football and the exceptionally hot weather, particularly in the south. Stronger figures were seen from many of the northern branches, while London continued to hold its own.

Home sales increased 10.6%, compared to the same week last year. Outdoor living was particularly strong, unsurprisingly given the weather, but producing an exceptionally strong sterling figure for this late in the season. Picnicware sales went up 17%, but the best figure came from fitted furniture, which rose a massive 42%.

Textiles were a big clearance player, up 10%, while china rose 15%. In electricals, cooling products and fans joined computers to help lift small electricals sales by 18%.

Johnlewis.com saw sales increase by 44.7%, up on the previous week, with categories including outdoor toys, furniture, china, lighting and televisions all doing well.

At the time of going to press, clearance will be nearing its end, said director of selling operations (region A) Nat Wakely, with "exciting new lines flowing in as we approach the second half of our financial year".