John Lewis stores sales fall 2.4%

SALES at John Lewis's department stores fell by 2.4 per cent in the week to 23 August, with the retailer blaming "continued uncertainty both in the economy and the weather".

Aberdeen led the way, reporting a 12.1 per cent increase in sales compared with the same period last year, higher than the rise at London's Oxford Street.

The Edinburgh store also posted a 2.4 per cent rise, while sales in Glasgow fell by 2.9 per cent.

Fashion – including children's wear and nursery items – reported strong sales, along with televisions.