Department store chain John Lewis said its sales dropped 1.4 per cent to settle at 46.5 million pounds during the week ended August 15.

It was John Lewis' second consecutive week of lower sales.

John Lewis said electricals and home technology sales were down by 2.1 per cent, while the sales in home department were down by 3.6 per cent, with fashion sales flat. Sales had plunged 5.3 per cent in the previous week.

Speaking on the topic, John Lewis said, "This serves to remind us that 2009 remains -- even now -- the most challenging of years for retailers."

However, sales at supermarket chain Waitrose soared 10.4 per cent to 80.3 million pounds, with overall food sales were up 9.6 per cent on previous year.

Retail sales data released on Thursday showed UK retail sales grew 0.4 per cent in July from June. Analysts had forecast an increase of just 0.2 per cent for July.