BARGAIN hunters have boosted sales figures at John Lewis department stores, the chain announced today, as bosses at Salford's Lowry Outlet Mall said they remained confident about its prospects, with consumers increasingly seeking goods at clearance prices.

Revenues at John Lewis shops surged 5.9 per cent for the week to last Saturday, reversing four weeks of falls as cash-strapped shoppers flocked to its summer sales.

The employee-owned firm, viewed as a bellwether of British retailing, said fashion items, electrical and home technology goods and homewares all performed strongly.

Out-of-town branches also showed signs of improvement, having come under pressure as consumers cut back on shopping trips because of high fuel prices.

Its Trafford Centre outlet enjoyed a 1.3 per cent rise in sales, although revenues declined by 2.7 per cent at Cheadle.

Selling operations director Nat Wakely described the figures as a `super result' and said the success was spread across different sectors.

Global Insight economist Howard Archer said today's figures were in marked contrast to eight declines in year-on-year sales that had been seen in the previous nine weeks.

However, he added: "The rebound in John Lewis sales in the latest week does not fundamentally alter our view that consumers are increasingly tightening their belts. "Significantly, the improved sales performance occurred during John Lewis' clearance sale, and we strongly suspect that it was a consequence of increasingly pressurised and price-conscious consumers looking to concentrate their purchases when there are perceived genuine bargains available."

Rob Hallworth, manager of the Lowry Mall - which is part of the privately-owned Wilmslow-based Emerson property empire - said: "Although the market is tough, and that's the case for everyone, we know we have a good offer here and that in times like this people are looking to make the money they do have go further.

"With the discounts we offer - at least 30 per cent from the high street - some retailers are having really good success."

The return of US sportswear giant Nike next month, after a 10-month absence, will also be a boost to the centre, which, Mr Hallworth says, is investing in an `aggressive' TV, press and radio advertising campaign.