A rise in profits for John Lewis means staff will share a GBP87million bonus payout. The 59000 workers of the successful retailer will receive the equivalent of six weeks salary.

A boost in profits by 29 per cent follows a 10 per cent recovery in trading profits, to a total of GBP277million. Sales for the 12 months to 31 January topped GBP5m for the first time, rising by eight per cent to GBP5.1m.

London Oxford is still seeing a downturn in trading due to the congestion charge that was introduced last year. Chairman Sir Stuart Hampson told Fiano Wals of the Evening Standard that "You can't judge the success of the shcme merely by the fat that there are fewer cars. You have to judge by the economic results on the capital as a whole."

John Lewis will be issuing a comprehensive report on the congestions scheme to be ready by the end of March. The opening of new stores around the UK, including branches in Belgravia and Mill Hill London lifted the profits for t he Group.

As part of a GBP300 million expansions programme, John Lewis plans to open ten new stores from 2007 onwards. The group has also taken into consideration launching its own credit card. With an increase in sales over the internet and the John Lewis catalogue, trusted customers may well make this a lucrative venture in an already crowded market.