Workers at John Lewis will share a £155 million bonus payment after the partnership enjoyed a 27 per cent rise in profits before tax.
More than 65,000 employees, referred to as partners by John Lewis, will receive the equivalent of nine weeks worth of wages.
Overall sales at John Lewis, which includes supermarket chain Waitrose, increased by £614 million to £6.4 billion in the 12 months ending January 27th.
Partnership chairman Sir Stuart Hampson today described the annual results as "simply stunning".
"'The partnership has had an excellent year and I'm very pleased to be reporting such strong financial results in my final announcement. It's the engagement of our partners in all aspects of the business that is the foundation of our success," he said.
"I have every confidence that we have the capability at every level to continue to power the partnership and realise our ambitions for the future."
Profits at John Lewis stores increased by 38 per cent to £264 million, while earnings at Waitrose were up to £244 million; a rise of £13 million.
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