Sales at department store John Lewis were given a lift by the wet weather last week, leading to a 9 per cent increase year-on-year.
In a statement released today the company put the increase down to a "pre-summer spending spree".
However, it was the company's online sales that really benefitted last week. The value of purchases at johnlewis.com increased by 45.6 per cent in the week to July 23 compared to the same period last year. Regulation schoolwear, which is now available through the site, along with sales of other fashion items helped lead the way.
Sarah Morris, head of merchandising operation at John Lewis, said she expected the company's strong performance to continue.
"This week signals the end of our first half as well as the start of the school holidays," she said.
"With summery weather forecast we expect sales of seasonal merchandise as well as new season stock to maintain our current trading momentum in to the second half."
