John Lewis is nursing losses that more than doubled in the first half of the year as its boss criticised the higher cost of doing business.
The retailer reported losses of £89million in the six months to 1 August - compared to £34million a year earlier.
Chairman Jason Tarry pointed to the 'increased costs of doing business', which includes the rising cost of employment following the increase in National Insurance contributions for employers.
Profits were also hit by the costs of managing the business during the succession of heatwaves over the summer.
But Tarry insisted a turnaround was still underway and that the employee-owned partnership had been keen to keep investing in its shops despite pressures.
