• Profit before tax and bonuses rose 15.8% to GBP409.6m
• Sales increased 9.3% to GBP9.54bn
• Fashion sales were up 9.1% 

UK department store operator John Lewis has recorded a jump in full-year profit fuelled by online growth.

The group today (7 March) said profit before tax and partnership bonus rose 15.8% to GBP409.6m (US$614.6m) over the year ended 26 January. Sales increased 9.3% to reach GBP9.54bn, while operating profit was up 15% to GBP452.4m.

Excluding the group's Waitrose supermarket chain, the John Lewis department stores saw operating profit increase 37.2% to GBP216.7m. Sales increased 13.5% to GBP3.78bn, as like-for-like sales grew 10.5%. John Lewis's online division saw sales increase 40.8% to GBP959m, accounting for 25% of the total.

Fashion sales grew 9.1% over the year, driven by a mix of own brand, new brand acquisitions and designer collaborations.

We were encouraged by the acceleration in the rate of sales growth during the year, particularly in the final quarter," said chairman Charlie Mayfield.

"Although the market remains challenging, the Partnership has adapted quickly and successfully and we saw the benefits this year. We have stepped up innovation in new products, there's been a continuing focus on value and sustained and rapid growth online. This resulted in over 1.5m more customers choosing to shop with Waitrose or John Lewis than last year.

"We see this as a time of significant opportunity in a changing market. Behind the scenes, therefore, there's a quiet revolution underway in our supply chain, IT and support functions. Our investment in these areas is up substantially and that commitment continues into 2013.

"In recent years, the Partnership has consciously invested to have the right skills, systems and organisational structures to be able to offer customers what they want in a fast-changing market."

The company, whose partnership model means staff are ‘partners’ in the business, said employees will receive a bonus of 17% of their salary, equivalent to nine weeks' pay.

Commenting on the retailer's success, Conlumino analyst Neil Saunders said: "One of the most impressive features of John Lewis over the past year has been its ability to keep many plates spinning simultaneously.

"The pace and quality of innovation and initiatives has been extremely strong and is one of the central reasons for its out performance.

"The launch of new ranges in home, the introduction of more services, the continued evolution of its fashion business, and refurbishment activity including the new beauty hall in Oxford Street, have all helped to excite and engage customers which in turn has helped boost spending."