Despite summer holidays and warm weather, customers "were in the mood for spending", sending furniture sales soaring at the department store.


Overall sales were up 8.2% on last year for the week ended July 24 but home stole the show with the biggest percentage increase, up 13.9%. The department saw a clean sweep, with all of its main buying categories experiencing double digit growth, explained John Lewis director of selling operations, David Barford.

The most notable gains came from beds and bedroom furniture, which was up 36.9%, fitted furniture, which reported a 34.9% increase and seasonal gifts, which saw a whopping 74.5% increase. Gift home accessories also reported gains of 41.2% on last year.

Yesterday, research from retail analyst Verdict revealed that Brits are still spending on beds and bedroom furniture, despite high-ticket prices, with the market set to grow by £79.4m this year.

Electricals and home technology found it more challenging last week, according to John Lewis' Mr Barford. However there were some strong performances from white goods, with large electricals up 3.3% and small electricals up 10.5%.

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