Continuing strong demand for tablets and notebooks drove strong sales of electricals at department store group John Lewis in the week to January 28.

Indeed, managing director Andy Street put the 8.9 per cent year-on-year uplift in the store group’s overall performance down to the boost given by electricals.

They were also credited with helping to push online sales at johnlewis.com 42.2 per cent ahead of a year ago.

Sales of electrical and home technology products were, in fact, 19.2 per cent ahead of the same week a year ago, making it by far the strongest performing of the store group’s three product directorates ahead of home (which was up 4.5 per cent) and fashion (up 5.2 per cent).

“Our teams continue to be determined in pursuit of new product across the 'must have' items and their accessories which, together with good availability, is vital to driving our success in the fiercely competitive electricals market,” said Mr Street.

He added: “Ours remains a 'bricks and clicks' story.

“Johnlewis.com's performance reflected continued momentum in electricals and fashion as well as increases in bed linen, china and particularly 'home office'. The continuing roll out of Click & collect to our stores saw a 99 per cent increase last week against last year – further establishing our position as a leader and innovator in multi-channel retailing.”