Sales peak at £91.1 million last week
John Lewis continues to do no wrong, as it delivers another record-beating set of sales figures.

Sales increased by 8.4 per cent to£91.1 million for the week ending December 9, against the same period last year, beating the company's previous best by£6 million.

Sales from Sunday to Wednesday rose 12 per cent, compared with the same period last year.

John Lewis customer service director Simon Fowler said: 'It was a fantastic week. There was a fairly even spread of trade up and down the country, with 25 branches recording increases against last year.'

Electricals sales continued to soar, with furniture, textiles and lighting also doing well - an increased demand for duvet covers helped to drive linen sales. Christmas stationery and gift food also sold well.

Fashion sales lifted, with branded ranges proving particularly successful, and accessories also had a good week.

However, it has been a difficult week for childrenswear, toys and crafts as a whole, which has masked a record score for toy sales.