John Lewis saw sales surge 11.3% over the last four days driven by a strong performance from fashion and helped by the colder weather.

The department store, which reported a year-on-year sales increase of 6.8% in the week to Saturday November 13, said the current week had begun well.

Lesley Ballantyne, John Lewis director operational development said: “This week is shaping up to be a really strong week, by last night we were 11.3% up on last year.

“All areas are very positive but fashion particularly stands out, where customers are taking advantage of our beautiful winter ranges in women’s cashmere.”

Sales of Acer Happy netbooks, which come in lime green, red, Hawaii blue, candy pink and lavender purple, are 48% up.

She added that the cold weather had driven sales of hats, scarves and gloves during the period from Sunday to Wednesday.

Sales of fleece robes jumped 118% during the four days, while sales of slippers rose 15%, Ugg earmuffs 112% and fleece-lined leather gloves sold at a rate of one every two minutes.

Popular gifts included watches which were up 29% on last year and Hunter willies for kids had their biggest ever week, up 205%.

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