The John Lewis partnership released positive post-Easter sales figures today, showing sales at £61.09m for the department store, up 13.9% on the same period last year.
Bosses at the company said the 'at home' contingent made up "the star turn among the shops" with the Poole and Croydon branches continuing their strong performances. Sales at Croydon were up 20.1%, Poole was up 20.2% and the homewares stores in Swindon (+14.7%) and Tunbridge Wells (+11.1%) were described as enjoying "decisive steps forward."

Newly-opened John Lewis at home in Chichester had, in md Andy Street's words, "a remarkable full first week" with business "roughly twice our expectations."

Mr Street added: "The first peak of the year has been well navigated. Attention now turns to opening John Lewis at home in Newbury, and then to summer events. With London 2012 Shops open in all our branches and online, and the 'Celebration of Britain' products in place, we look well set to capture the nation's mood."