John Lewis’s head of multi channel Simon Russell admitted that online sales at johnlewis.com was the department store group’s powerhouse in the week to August 28, with sales up 30 per cent on a year ago.

“'Bricks and clicks' were working together with a record, best-ever week for our free next day Click & Collect service, which accounted for over 20 per cent of all online orders that were sent to one of our 33 John Lewis and Waitrose collection points,” Mr Russell said.

The electricals and home technology sector saw sales 2.2 per cent ahead of a year ago with computers, iPads and accessories attracting strong interest as the new academic year started.

Mr Russell added: “Small kitchen appliances also stood out, with some claiming the BBC's The Great British Bake Off series as generating interest.”