Heatwave boost for John Lewis sales

The spring heatwave has boosted demand for summer fashion ranges at department store John Lewis and triggered a five-fold rise in sales of barbecue food at sister chain Waitrose.

Soaring temperatures prompted shoppers to refresh their wardrobes in the week to March 24, while the supermarket chain, which is also a part of the John Lewis Partnership, said customers snapped up slow-cooked pork ribs and pork belly, burgers and sausages.