John Lewis said its sales have continued to gain momentum in the run-up to Christmas as it revealed its top sellers in the trading days from Sunday December 14 to Wednesday December 17.

Director of selling operations Dan Knowles said: “Sales at John Lewis continue to rise in the run-up to Christmas. Particularly strong sellers this week are in childrenswear, toys and consumer electronics – indicating that there will be many children's toys and electronic items under Christmas trees next week. Footfall continues to be strong with branches feeling a real Christmas buzz.”

In the week to Saturday December 13 total sales were down only 4 per cent on the year – a 6 per cent week-on-week increase. John Lewis notched up a record week for its technology products, with sales in its electricals and home technology division up 2 per cent on the retailer's previous biggest week.

In its record-breaking technology week, sales of Sony e-frames soared 75 per cent compared with the week before while sales of the Zeppelin iPod speaker system shot up 34 per cent. An iPod was sold every 15 seconds.

Separately John Lewis announced today that retail operations director Patrick Lewis will become Partners’ Counsellor and join the board of the group.

In the role Lewis will be responsible for ensuring that the John Lewis Partnership remains to its key principles.

Lewis will be succeeded by Gareth Thomas who will assume the role of retail director on February 1.

Responsibility for distribution will move out of retail operations and taken over by Andrea O’Donnell who will become commercial director.