Sales of coronation memorabilia have rocketed at department store group John Lewis as the royal event approaches.

Ahead of the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday, John Lewis Partnership reported that “customers are stocking up on last-minute memorabilia and decorations to celebrate with friends and family”.

John Lewis said coronation-related sales were ahead 27% week on week – “our biggest week so far as we draw closer to the weekend”. Searches for ‘coronation mug’ rose 117% online and sales of a coronation spoon were ahead 216%. The £15 coronation Lewis Bear is ”the best-selling edition of Lewis Bear since he was first produced in 2005”.

Seasonal buyer for John Lewis and Waitrose Jason Billings-Cray said: “The demand for our coronation Lewis Bear has been extraordinary. We’re seeing a real buzz from customers who are looking forward to celebrating the occasion and looking for souvenirs to remember it. 

“Over the past week, the number of Waitrose customers searching for coronation recipes has risen by 300% on the previous week as customers start thinking about what to cook at celebratory gatherings.”