Department store chain John Lewis is basking in the warm glow of another successful set of weekly results with a 9.3 per cent increase in total sales last week compared to the same period last year.

A flurry of excited shoppers purchasing summer fashion at the unexpected sight of the sun helped to boost the overall results from £54.96 million last year to £60.06 million for the week ending May 26th 2012.

As a result of the recent digital switchover, Home Electricals was the best-selling department with a 17.3 per cent overall increase and the sudden influx of shoppers stockpiling on seasonal wear for the whole family gave fashion a lift of 10.3 per cent.

Footwear saw a jump of 59 per cent over the week while childrenswear reported a 10.7 per cent increase on the end of May 2011.

David Barford, Director of Selling Operations, is pleased with that the warm weather did not deter customers from spending.

He said, “We should be pleased with the healthy 9.3 per cent increase we achieved on the previous year despite the heat.

“Understandably, as customers enjoyed the weather in the later part of the week, our success came from our online business with a 46 per cent increase, but shops held their own with an above-the-line 0.7 per cent.”

Grocer Waitrose also saw a very strong week, with total sales up 7.8 per cent on last year as customers flocked to make summer food purchases.

Sales of ice lollies soared 156 per cent and cones 113 per cent as consumers tried to cool down as temperatures rose.

Approaching the Jubilee weekend, the upmarket grocer has again seen an increase in popularity of its wine offering, with sales of English sparkling wine shooting up 107 per cent on 2011.

Competition is high among retailers in the lead up to the royal event and yesterday supermarket Asda announced its plans for Diamond Jubilee themed events across its store network.

Helen Hyde, Personnel Director of Waitrose, said that anticipation for the bank holiday helped drive sales.

“The warm weather and the run-up to the Diamond Jubilee weekend helped drive the strongest week‘s sales of the year so far, excluding Easter,” he commented

“Sales were up by 7.8 per cent on last year, including a 33 per cent increase in Waitrose.com orders.

“The scorching sunshine prompted a flurry of barbecues and outdoor celebrations as excitement builds towards the Jubilee weekend.”