HUNDREDS of staff at Southampton's flagship John Lewis store are celebrating after it was announced they will receive 11 per cent bonuses.

Staff at the WestQuay Shopping Centre-based department store were told about their bonuses this morning after the company announced its full year results.

The store had a strong end to 2014, experiencing a best-ever day of sales on Black Friday.

Including local internet sales, the stores sales were up eight per cent on last year, with the figure dropping to four per cent for in-store trading.

Head of branch Mark Venables said: “Sales in women's fashion have been strong, especially in accessories and beauty where new brands have contributed to increases on last year. Elsewhere, there is evidence that customers are spending more on their homes with strong sales from electrical appliances, beds, furniture and floor coverings.

Daily Echo:

“The highlight of the year was the completion of another major project, transforming our home assortments on the lower ground floor as well as childrenswear and beauty on the next floor up.

“Our shop has been transformed into an excellent showcase for the John Lewis brand and the very wide range of products we sell.

“Customers can also now shop at John Lewis and Waitrose under one roof with the opening of Little Waitrose here in Southampton in September. “Helping to deliver this development project and achieving great customer service alongside an increase in sales was a major achievement for our 924 Partners (staff), and I would like to thank them for delivering a successful year."

The company is owned a the John Lewis Partnership, which is a trust run on behalf of all staff, who have a say in how the firm is run and all take a share of the profits.