John Lewis says homeware sales driving growth

LONDON, England - Britain's biggest department store group John Lewis posted a 1.4 percent year-on-year rise in sales to 149.9 million pounds in the week to December 14, helped by strong demand for cooking equipment.

The group's home department achieved a record week, buoyed by the sales of roasting tins and carving trays in the run up to the festive season, John Lewis said in a statement on Sunday.

The furniture department also showed a 21 percent jump on last year.

Online sales, which have been driving growth at the retailer in the run up to Christmas, were up 13.2 percent on the same period in 2012.