UK store John Lewis posts 7.2% jump in holiday sales

[LONDON] British department stores group John Lewis scored a 7.2 per cent rise in Christmas sales, as strong demand for items from tablet PCs to coffee machines helped it become one of this year's likely winners in the UK retail sector.

The improvement comes despite unusually stormy British weather in the run-up to Christmas and a still-cautious approach by many consumers, sparking speculation that many retailers would struggle during the key holiday period.

John Lewis yesterday said sales from online outlets and shops rose to £734 million (S$1.5 billion) in the five weeks to Dec 28, including its biggest-ever taking of £35.6 million on day one of its in-store clearance sale on Dec 27.