Footfall up at department stores during half term week, with shoppers spending on beds, bedroom furniture and home accessories.
John Lewis reported double digit growth each day for the week to February 20, compared with the same period last year.

Trading for the week was up 15.1%. Home experienced growth of 19%, driven by a 40% increase in sales of beds and bedroom furniture. The department store chain attributes the rise to strong sales of new ranges in the department.

John Lewis director of operational development Andrew Murphy added: "A similarly enthusiastic reaction to new ranges was seen across many assortments but especially in cushions, lighting and computing."

Results in electrical and home technology were more mixed but, explained Mr Murphy, "overall, were comfortably ahead of the two-year figure and almost 4% up on last year."

Catering was also up for the retailer, with Mr Murphy giving a special mention to catering partners across the business.