Strong sales in run up to Christmas
John Lewis has topped last week's record performance, taking£85.1 million and notching up an 8 per cent increase on last years performance.

In the week ending December 17, the partnership enjoyed brisk trade across the country according to figures unveiled this morning.

The Oxford Street Store had its biggest day of the year so far when the street was closed to traffic last weekend.

Sales in Beauty and Menswear for the week were strong, up 7.5 per cent and womenswear and accessories were up year on year, with coats and outerwear doing particularly well.

The haberdashery category seemed to be popular amongst Christmas shoppers with stocks of wool having to be pulled forward to meet demand.

John Lewis chief executive Charlie Mayfield congratulated all partners for their performance. He noted that the supply chain team turned round a good performance, he said: 'Stock flowed smoothly, turnaround times were shorter and accuracy was up.'

Childrenswear, toys and crafts were up 3.6 per cent and the furniture and textiles category although the weakest performer was still in positive like for like territory at 0.2 per cent.