Department store group John Lewis has reported trade from Sunday to Wednesday is up 12% on last year and 19% up on last week.

The retailer said the cold weather has seen customers wanting to wrap up and shoppers are out in force buying Christmas presents.

Director of selling operations Nat Wakely said: “We continue to build nicely on an excellent week last week and all branches bar one are showing increases, demonstrating a good spread of positive results around the country. Amongst the directorates fashion is in the lead at +19% week to date as the colder weather is driving purchases in this area.”

The retailer said John Lewis £18 gloves are “flying off the shelves” at a rate of one pair every two minutes and 60 denier tights selling at a rate of one pair every minute. And men’s narrow ties are selling at a rate of one every ten minutes.

Desktop football tables (ÂŁ49) have been a key highlight this week selling one every 15 minutes and football tables (ÂŁ20) are selling at a rate of one every five minutes.

Nintendo Wiis are selling at a rate of one every minute.

Sales of novelty slippers are up 136% on the previous week with the reindeer style proving most popular.

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