John Lewis' negative home streak is over, with the department store chain posting rising sales in the Bank Holiday week that preceded yesterday's formal introduction of its new name.

The department store announced earlier this year that it would be rebranding as John Lewis & Partners, part of a plan to play up its employee-owned structure it believes sets its apart from rivals.

Two stores — its Oxford Street flagship plus White City and its website — unveiled their new-look branding yesterday, with others to follow over time as and when the retailer invests in individual store remodels. It has also launched a major marketing campaign alongside sister retail Waitrose, which has also added '& Partners' to its name.

The formal adoption of its new name comes as the retailer returned to growth in its important home category, albeit with no mention of big-ticket bulky goods in its supporting commentary.

Home sales advanced 2.1 percent in the seven days to September 1, the first time sales have increased since the week to May 26, a run of decline going back thirteen weeks.

Total sales were up 4.5 percent to just under £91 million for the business, with fashion sales advancing 11.4 percent and electricals and home tech inching 0.1 percent forward year-over-year.

Its improvement was driven in part by a strong bank holiday performance and new seasonal launches, John Lewis said.