Total sales for the week across the department store chain were down 3.5% on the same trading period last year, with home one of the worst performers.

John Lewis attributed the decline to tough comparatives, against strong clearance sales during the same week last year.  Home sales were down 7.2%, whilst electrical and home technology sales were down 7.6%.

The business does anticipate a pick-up, as buying director for home, Johnathan Marsh said: “We saw customers beginning to buy new season products and products to keep warm in the cold weather.”

He added that the number of appointments made with estimators for windows and flooring were up 9% and 6% respectively, as customers made plans to update their homes.

The latest sales figures follow news that John Lewis is to close its 35,000 sq ft Knight & Lee store in Southsea this summer. The retailer said the site required too much investment to modernise, adding that it would be selling the freehold of the building and shutting the branch.