The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has seen a 44 per cent increase in operating profits to £160m thanks to a growth in online sales.

While sales at John Lewis stores rose 7 per cent compared with last year, the group's online business grew by 42 per cent, ahead of market averages.

And the relaunch of an improved website helped JLP subsidiary Waitrose to a divisional profit of £140m, up 30 per cent on the same period last year.

'In a tougher retail environment the business has shown resilience, with both Waitrose and John Lewis achieving strong sales growth, gaining market share and increasing operating profit,' said JLP chairman Charlie Mayfield.