Sales at John Lewis department stores for the week ending November 21 have jumped 15% on the same period last year to £78.5m as shoppers start buying gifts for Christmas.

Toy sales at John Lewis enjoyed a stellar week with sales of wheeled toys soaring 150%, traditional toys such as Sylvanian Families proved popular with a blue Mini Micro T-bar Scooter becoming its best-selling toy at £46.95.

John Lewis director of selling operations David Barford said: “The toy department has been incredibly busy this week. We think there will have been some dads playing a part in the purchasing, and perhaps buying gifts for their children that they would like to play with themselves.”

Games for men and older children, such as air hockey and table football, have been selling well, as has men’s fashion, with brands Fat Face, Ted Baker and Calvin Klein Underwear proving popular.

Furniture, upholstery and beds continued to perform well with sales of furnishing fabrics up by as much as 400% in individual John Lewis branches, as shoppers prepare their homes for Christmas. Sewing machines have also enjoyed strong sales as some customers look to mend and make do. 

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