Like for like sales at stores up 13 per cent

Department store chain John Lewis reported record breaking sales figures over the Christmas period and the first five days of clearance sales.

The partnership which has three Scottish branches, located in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh said like for like sales were up by 13 per cent in the five weeks to December 29, 2012.

Total sales were £684.8m, up by 14.8 per cent up compared with last year.

Compared with last year, Electricals and Home Technology sales were 30.9 per cent up. Fashion, including Beauty, was 10.4 per cent up whilst Home increased by 6.2 per cent.

Online sales for the five weeks were 44.3 per cent up on last year. johnlewis.com now accounts for a quarter of the total John Lewis business.

Meanwhile its sister company, supermarket chain Waitrose, announced the busiest new year trading period in its history.  

The final 12 days of trade leading up to the new year were the retailer's strongest ever for that period, with total sales  8.8 per cent higher than last year and like for like sales 5.4 per cent higher. 

Andy Street, Managing Director of John Lewis, said: "In an economic climate which continues to be volatile, to have achieved these results is testimony to the strength of the John Lewis brand and the commitment of all our Partners to give outstanding service.”