Department store group John Lewis notched up sales in the week to February 27 that were 14.8 per cent ahead of last year.

“With the exception of Monday, each day saw double-figure increases despite the wintry weather which lingered for branches in the north,” said Simon Russell, head of multi channel at John Lewis.

Online sales grew by 41.3 per cent and, said Mr Russell, Click and Collect at John Lewis branches and the two trial Waitrose shops was more than double the previous year.

“Well done to the selling branch partners who are clearly embracing our new multi channel retailing, recording a record ever week for online orders placed in our branches,” he said.

The figures for electricals and home technology, ahead by 2.7 per cent, were not quite as stunning as for other sectors such as fashion (up 20 per cent).

However, Mr Russell pointed out that although it was a quieter week for vision products, the store group notched up “some excellent results” for white goods and audio.

Some 21 branches produced results that bettered last year’s figures, with Bluewater leading the way with a 26 per cent gain, followed by Trafford (up 17.7 per cent) and Norwich (up 15.6 per cent).