Sales at John Lewis department stores are up 3.7% so far this week, helped by the biggest ever day of online demand on Monday.

In the four days to December 7, party products and stocking-fillers were popular purchases as consumers prepared for Christmas, John Lewis selling operations director David Barford said.

On Monday December 5, so-called ‘Mega Monday’, online orders climbed 30% compared to the same day last year and totalled £5.3m.

Barford said: “Trade this week has continued its strong momentum with johnlewis.com breaking records and the home directorate putting in a fantastic performance.

“Shoppers are treating themselves as well as each other, with party preparation products flying off the shelves. With the party season comes late nights and sales of premium beauty have grown with eye creams up 29% on last year.


“Quirky gifts and stocking fillers have also been popular while Christmas trees have had another stellar week as people decorate their homes.”