SOUTHAMPTON staff of department store John Lewis and supermarket Waitrose are celebrating today after the workers owned company reported profits had jumped by 51 per cent.
The supermarket chain made a pre-tax profit of £146m in the six months to 28 July, which should send bonuses for staff soaring.
In March this year, more than 2,000 Hampshire staff of the group took home a bumper bonuses, equivalent to 18 per cent of their salary.
The profit share sparked a spending splurge on a range of dream items from giant TVs, to musical instruments and even a deposit on a house.
John Lewis bosses sounded a note of caution, saying they expected the second half of the year to be much tougher.
"The outlook in the market is more challenging than has been experienced for some time and we expect a tougher trading environment in the coming months," the firm said in a statement.
The 143-year-old group said sales at its department stores were led by furniture, textiles and lighting, while Waitrose stores reported strong demand for organic and Fairtrade' foods.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article