Christmas sales already strong, with trees up 80% and John Lewis 'at home' in Poole exceeds trading expectations as it celebrates its first anniversary.
Home sales were up 13% at John Lewis last week, with all areas of Christmas doing well. The department stores' tree range was the star of the show, with sales up 80%. Meanwhile furniture sales were up 21% for the seven days to October 30 and lighting up 14%. Halloween also offered potential to grow, as adults purchased ranges, including themed tea light sets.

Electrical and home technology saw a 7% uplift in small appliances - in keeping with GfK's latest figures for the consumer durable market, which reported a 7.4% increase in small domestic appliances in September compared with the same month last year.

John Lewis' 'at home' format also had a good week, with the third store in the portfolio opening in Swindon last Thursday. According to the group, 300 customers were queuing to get in on its first day of trading, Meanwhile, John Lewis' first at home store in Poole celebrated its one year anniversary, having exceeded expectations for its first 12 months of trading.

Online growth continues to forge ahead for the department store chain, with a 44% increase on the same period last year. Traffic to the site increased 32%, while Click and Collect continued to offer support both in store and online.

John Lewis buying and brand director Peter Ruis said: "We have plenty to be optimistic about as we start the ramp up to Christmas."