Aberdeen shines for John Lewis

THERE was a mixed performance from John Lewis's Scottish branches last week as the department store operator reported a further drop in sales.

Across the UK business, which comprises almost 30 outlets, sales tumbled by 7.6 per cent compared to a year earlier. Sales at the Aberdeen store grew by 7.3 per cent, but those at Edinburgh and Glasgow fell by 3.8 per cent and 12.1 per cent, respectively.

The partnership said consumer confidence had taken a hit, although the timing of school holidays was also a factor.