Today’s John Lewis figures are a glaring example of why one week of trading cannot be taken as an ideal read for the health of the retail sector.

The Partnership’s department stores enjoyed a stellar week, with fashion and even fitted kitchens selling well. Its new store in Leicester beat all internal budgets.

The data is a fillup to the much maligned Office of National Statistics, whose healthier than expected retail sales figures were dismissed as little short of a joke yesterday, but clearly it is absurb to suggest consumers have forgotten about the credit crunch and are back spending.

The John Lewis management still fear the worst over the coming six weeks and Ian Cheshire, the Kingfisher chief executive, was noticeably worried about the outlook even when reporting strong first-half results yesterday.

What today’s John Lewis numbers do suggest is that while people are cautious, they are still willing to spend on essentials or treats. Stores simply have to ensure that when the consumer ventures out, they come through their door.

This is where John Lewis has a clear advantage. In the past decade it has supplanted Marks & Spencer as the go-to store for Middle England. When the 50-year old wants one of those new ipods, he’s more than likely to head to John Lewis to get one. He trusts them. If rivals can find a similar unique-selling-point, they will stand a better chance than most over the coming months.

Times Recommends

• Minister in talks with Saudis to protect creditors
• Premier Inn hits back in £29-a-room row
• Bankers hit back at 'populist' bonus supertax