DEPARTMENT store John Lewis said last week’s performance was “better than we dared hope for” after a late rush for back-to-school items.

John Lewis said good weather and renewed demand for electronics had also boosted sales, which rose by 1% on the same week last year to stand at £54m.

Trading across most of the week to September 5 was described as “very strong” – with a 7% increase in sales over the bank holiday.

Children’s shoe sales soared by 51% as the fashion department benefited from back-to-school trade. Stationery sales were up by 9%.

Meanwhile, sales of outdoor products rose at John Lewis Partnership supermarket Waitrose to help the chain lift takings by 7.6% to 82.5m.