Electricals and home technology was the strongest category for the retailer last week, while textiles and furniture also reported increases.
Against a strong set of comparatives, which included Mother's Day last year, John Lewis's sales were down 1.8% last week. However, the retailer described this as a "creditable performance", especially since figures were up 16% on 2009.

Electricals and home technology was the strongest of the three directorates, with large electricals up 7.5% for the week ended March 12.

Home also reported increases, with textiles reporting a 1% increase on the year and indoor furniture sales level. The department store chain launches its outdoor furniture range this week, supported by a strong a strong marketing campaign, and believes it is "well placed to take advantage, as customers adapt to the change in season".

Online sales at johnlewis.com were up 29%, boosted by continued investment in its online assortment and good growth in all three directorates.

John Lewis buying and brand director Peter Ruis said: "As we look ahead to the next few weeks, the trading pattern will continue to be complex to read, due to the fall of Easter. Nevertheless, we should have confidence that when customers are ready to spend we are in good shape to take the sale. This was underlined on Sunday when, without the distraction of Mother's Day, we started the week with a +20 per cent increase."