Overview

• Pre-tax loss for the six months to 26 July reached £88m, compared with £30m a year earlier.
• Loss before tax and exceptional items was £34m, reflecting the full-year EPR packaging levy and higher National Insurance charges booked in the first half.
• Group sales rose 4% to £6.2bn, with Waitrose up 6% to £4.1bn and John Lewis department stores up 2% to £2.1bn.
• The company cited roughly £29m from new packaging rules and National Insurance, plus about £54m in restructuring costs, as key drags.
• JLP said it has stepped up investment, including £191m on store and service upgrades, reinstating its price pledge, and a plan to host Topshop in 32 stores from February.