John Lewis sales up 10.5 pct so far this week

LONDON - John Lewis , Britain's biggest department store chain, reported a jump in sales on Thursday, flattered by a weak performance during the same period last year when trading was disrupted by heavy snow.

The employee-owned chain, viewed as a barometer of British consumer spending, said sales were up 10.5 percent year-on-year in the four days ended Nov. 30.

That followed a 1.2 percent decline in the week ended Nov. 26.

"The strong figures are up against weaker comparatives as the heavy snow this time last year began to impact parts of the UK," John Lewis said.

"Nonetheless, good performances from home, gifting, fashion and beauty this week indicate that customers are well in the mood for Christmas at the start of December."

(Reporting by Mark Potter, editing by James Davey)