John Lewis increased its sales by 8.5% year-on-year last week as it saw a strong trade in its stores and online.

The good results meant the retailer rounded off its first half of the financial year with sales rising by 9.4%.

New format shops which performed particularly well saw sales go up by 33% in the week.

Its online sales achieved growth of 28.7% and ended 25.7% up for the half.

Fashion sales also climbed by 10% as the week’s good weather boosted the sale of sunglasses and warm weather assortments.

Paula Nickolds, John Lewis director for buying and brand, said: “We rounded off the first half in warm sunshine for most of the UK and strong trade throughout. Total sales in the week were up 9%, in line with our cumulative performance leaving us 9% up for the half. This is a fantastic achievement and provides a superb platform as we look ahead to the rest of the year.”