John Lewis, the UK’s largest department store group, announced that sales in the week ending 14 November rose 1.5 percent and the retailer reported its first £100m week of the festive season.
Sales were boosted by the retailer’s Man on the Moon Christmas advertising campaign.
Paula Nickolds, commercial director, said: “The countdown to Christmas has begun. Customers are now buying gifts and products to prepare their home for the season ahead.”
Homeware sales were up 2.8 percent driven by a sharp rise in the sales of carpets and curtains – up 14.9 and 10.2 percent respectively.
Sales in electricals and home technology (EHT) increased 1.6 percent on the launch of the new Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro.
Fashion sales only rose 0.8 percent because of the mild winter weather.
Official data released on Thursday revealed that retail sales in the UK dropped more than expected in October after a surge in September, mainly because of the biggest drop in food sales since May 2014.