The launch of Waitrose new ‘Pick Your Own Offers’ scheme appears to be paying off with sales at the chain in the week to 20 June up 2.3%, a marked improvement on recent performance.

The scheme allows myWaitrose card holders to choose the products they'd like to receive a 20% discount and group said that it has already been well received by shoppers. Among the most popular choices from the list of nearly one thousand lines are essential Waitrose bathroom tissues, Waitrose British blacktail free range eggs, Waitrose cherry vine tomatoes and essential Waitrose British chicken breast fillets.

Meanwhile, the chain said that Father's Day also had a significant positive impact on sales in related categories. The mixed weather conditions failed to dampen sales of picnic foods which saw significant uplifts, including a record week for its Food to Go range where sales were up by more than 11%.

Sister chain John Lewis also enjoyed stronger week of trading with sales growing by 11.8% with increases across all three departments.