John Lewis saw its sales decline by 4& year on year last week to £98.7 million.

Fashion sales were down by 1.9% due to unseasonably warm weather in many parts of the country and a competitor promotion being run on fewer fashion and beauty products than last year.

Home sales were also dropped, by 2%, primarily due to fewer promotions despite lighting and cookshop sales rising by 20.5% and 4.1% respectively. Furniture sales were also up, increasing by 1.9%.

Meanwhile, electrical and home technology sales declined by 7% as trading was impacted by lower demand for smartphones as customers waited for the launch of the new iPhone X this week.