Department store group John Lewis reported another bumper week of trade with sales 16 per cent ahead of the same week a year ago.

Nearly all shops bettered last year’s figures during the week to March 6 with 10 notching up double-digit increases.

Best performances came from the stores at Oxford Street, Leicester and Bluewater, all with sales more than 17 up on last year, while online sales at johnlewis.com were 45.3 per cent ahead.

Sales of electricals and home technology products were 4.8 per cent up on a year ago, dwarfed by the boom in fashion and home product sales which were 20.7 per cent and 20.5 per cent up on last year respectively.

However, as John Lewis merchandise director Jill Little pointed out, the sector is dependent on new product and technology arriving soon to drive further uplifts.

“This week we saw the launch of Freeview HD televisions which will no doubt attract our customers,” she said.