Department store group John Lewis reported a 6.8 per cent rise in sales last week compared with the same week a year ago.


“The colder snap during last week propelled us back to a position whereby we exceeded a good performance from last year by nearly 7 per cent, but even more impressively a 25 per cent advance over the figure from two years ago,” said Chris Hooper, head of operational support at John Lewis.


Indeed, the week to November 13 also proved to be a good one for electricals.


John Lewis reported that its electricals and home technology directorate moved 5.7 per cent ahead of last year “boosted by a positive score for vision, continued success in white goods, and a particularly strong response to John Lewis branded products,” said Mr Hooper.


He added: “Watch out too for traditional finishes being replaced with striking colours and designs - already proving a hit.”


Electricals also did well online, putting in a “strong performance” to help push johnlewis.com 30.1 per cent ahead of last year.


Early gift buying, said Mr Hooper, was also evident across many departments.