John Lewis has said emerging technology will be a hit this Christmas, alongside quality heritage products.

The department store retailer said technology such as its Panasonic 3D camcorder as well as demand for kids technology such as blogging cameras would top the wish list. A mechanical toy horse called Butterscotch and the renaissance of Lego were cited as potential best-sellers.

In its fashion offer, the retailer said heritage and retro trends will be popular, with the Barbour jacket tipped as a top performer.

John Lewis buying and brand director Peter Ruis said sales in the first 11 days the Christmas shop opened were up 16% and added: “We have got off to an amazing start this Christmas.” He was reluctant to make predictions in light of the record Christmas the store experienced last year and the spending review on October 20. “We will have to wait until after October 20, but our run rates are good,” he said.

The department store - which will not raise its prices in line with the increase in VAT to 20% on January 4 - said that home and electrical could be the strongest performing categories for Christmas 2010.

Last year, fashion was the biggest category, growing from a less established base.

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