Sales at retailer John Lewis shot up by 20 per cent year-on-year in the week to June 25, new figures have revealed.
The company's weekly figures announcement today revealed a sharp spike in sales to £69.3m during the week, up from £57.7m in 2010 and £51m in 2009.
The company said a decision to begin this year's summer sale early, on the internet on a Wednesday night and in stores the following day, proved a sound one. Fashion was the most popular department with bargain hunters where sales were up 22 per cent year-on-year over the first four days, with children's clothing taking the lead, up 42 per cent.
Twice as many people used Debenhams' online ordering for store pick-up service as last year.
Peter Ruis, buying and brand director for John Lewis, said: "Our Clearance marketing campaign will continue this week and having had a smooth operational performance, we should be hopeful of another strong week of trade. So in summary, a great week, let's build on it this weekend."
Freddie George, a retail analyst at Seymour Pierce, described the seven days as "an outstanding week for the department stores", which proves people are still prepared to take notice of offers and spend despite the difficult economic outlook.
