John Lewis: Shops are needed 'to support online growth'

Total sales for UK retailers in the five weeks leading up to December 28th have risen by 7%, with online sales up 22%.

Andy Street, managing director of John Lewis, told the Today programme's Simon Jack that it is still important for retailers to have a presence on the high street.

He explained: "You need the shop to support the online growth."

Mr Street also noted that John Lewis saw large sales in its fashion and electrical departments over the Christmas period, accompanied by an unexpected rise in the sale of home furnishings.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Thursday 2 January 2013.