Weekly sales at John Lewis have broken the £100 million mark for the first time.

The John Lewis Partnership's department store division recorded sale of more than£101 million in the week to Saturday December 15.

The figures are the highest in the retailer’s history and a record for the second consecutive week. Sales were up 7.7 per cent year on year.

Online sales at John Lewis, which is viewed as a high street trading barometer, hit their highest ever level on Monday December 10, topping£2.8 million. The retailer reported that footfall across the country built throughout the week.

Handbags and beauty have driven sales as customers moved towards buying gifts this week. The electricals and home technology division performed strongest, with a 10 per cent year-on-year rise. IPods, e-frames and DAB digital radios have been most popular among shoppers. Toys have also driven sales.

The retailer singled out its flagship Oxford Street store in London as trading “strongly” with sales at the new foodhall soaring 15.5 per cent against last week.

John Lewis managing director Andy Street said: "It is 50 years ago to the day that the partnership first hit a record figure of£1 million in a week and it is a sign of great progress that our customers have spent more than£100 million with us this week. The buzz in our shops across the country is testament to both the range of products and the hard work of our staff serving customers on the ground.”