The John Lewis Partnership recorded a 3.8 per cent year-on-year slump in weekly sales last week, despite a major rebrand of its two retail chains.

The partnership’s department store division, John Lewis & Partners, endured a four per cent drop in sales despite “strong” sales of its new own brand ranges that were supported by the launch of its new brand identity.

Fashion sales were down 3.9 per cent overall, but John Lewis & Partners saw “very strong” demand for new own-brand womenswear and shoe sales were up eight per cent on last year.

Home sales were down seven per cent, while electrical and home technology sales were down 2.2 per cent despite a 231 per cent surge in gaming sales.

Meanwhile, John Lewis Partnership’s grocery division Waitrose & Partners also reported falling sales, dropping 3.5 per cent year-on-year.

Horticulture had a strong week, up 7.4 per cent, and apples and cherries increased in sales, including the Best of British apple varieties that change as the season progresses, which were up 125 per cent.

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