Workers at John Lewis in Swindon will be solving the puzzle of what to spend their bonus on after receiving the equivalent of nine weeks’ pay for this year.

Staff at the Mannington store gathered early yesterday morning for the big reveal, which involved them solving a Rubik’s Cube. The fastest to do so got to open the envelope containing the magic bonus number.

Strong sales figures across both John Lewis and Waitrose saw profits rise for both firms, with the former recording £216m – a 37 per cent rise on the year before.

Levi Sibthorpe had the fastest hands and got to open the envelope in front of expectant colleagues, duly tearing it apart and waving the 17 per cent figure – roughly nine weeks’ wages – aloft to a chorus of cheers.

The 16-year-old said: “I’m really happy I got to open the envelope – when I came in and saw the disco balls and the Rubik’s Cube I knew I had a chance because I’ve been doing them for a while now.

“I was shaking and it was so tense. Seventeen per cent is amazing, there were reports as low as 13 but all the hard work paid off. This will pay off my holiday.”

Last year’s bonus stood at 14 per cent – seven weeks’ pay – even after a less successful year for the group, but this year sales have soared.
Dominic Joyce, branch manager, said the Swindon store recorded a profit of £2m.

He said: “Against the backdrop of a challenging retail environment we are pleased to have put in a robust performance during the year at John Lewis at home Swindon.

“Customers have continued to put their faith in us, purchasing from our extensive range of televisions and tablets, along with strong growth in furniture and home furnishings.

“It has also been fantastic to see Mannington Retail Park enhance the customer offer with the addition of further retail outlets opened towards the end of 2012.

“It has been a great year in Swindon and I would like to thank all of our Partners who continue to provide the high standards of service and shopping experience our customers have come to expect.

“They are an outstanding team who I am personally very proud of.”