DEPARTMENT store group John Lewis posted a 4.1 per cent rise in half-year sales despite hot weather apparently deterring shoppers.

The group, which has a flagship Southampton store in WestQuay employing 900 staff, said soaring temperatures meant customers chose to stay away from many of its 26 sites during the last week of July.

This failed to cast a cloud over results for the 26 weeks to July 31, with menswear and leisure products among the top performers.

By contrast, the warm weather was an important factor in a 6.4 per cent sales rise at the group's 144-strong Waitrose supermarket chain, which was boosted by increased demand for barbecue lines, salads and fruit.

Sales soared ahead by 13.8 per cent to £48.3m during the last week of July.

Its shop in Cheadle and in London performed particularly well.

The last week of July saw sales at the chain fall by four per cent to £39.9m.

The group said sales wilted as temperatures soared, with the exception of just a handful of outlets.

Even so, there was strong demand for products such as garden furniture, picnicware and floor coverings.

The company's corporate affairs director Nigel Brotherton said: "The half-year has had its ups and downs but we are pleased with the final outcome."