John Lewis department stores revealed sales were up 6 per cent in the week to Wednesday year on year and rose 15 per cent on last week, driven by sales of toys, electronics and beauty.

In the week to December 1, sales rose 4.5 per cent against the previous year.

Commercial director Phil Hullah said: “Overall, 13 shops posted increases and, although the early part of the week was slightly stronger, every single day was once again in positive growth territory.”

Online revenue beat last week's record, making more than£10 million in one week and bolstered by sales of toys and MP3 players.

Hullah said that sales of clothing were also particularly strong, with own-brand womenswear and branded casualwear leading the way.

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