John Lewis puts on a brave face

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The department stores chain said that in the seven days to Saturday, sales were up 11.3% on the previous week.

But they were still down 13% compared with the same week a year ago, which is the more usual way of analysing trends.

Dan Knowles, director of selling operations, said: "Inevitably, because of the current economic climate sales are still down on last year. However, this week has shown that Christmas shopping has certainly begun." John Lewis, seen as a bellwether for the health of the retail sector, said it is matching prices on offer from competitors despite "discount days" by rivals.

Toy maker Character Group today issued a profits warning, saying market expectations for 2009 are "too optimistic".

Fashion group Alexon said sales in the 17 weeks to 22 November fell 11% on the last year. The firm, which owns the Ann Harvey chain, said trading is "increasingly challenging".