Sales at the employee-owned retailer John Lewis increased 22 per cent on last year to £91.79 million during the previous week owing to strong demand for consumer electronic goods in the run-up to Christmas.

Figures were 6.5 per cent higher as compared with same period two years ago, which was record year for the retailer.

Apart from strong TV sales, sales of PS3 games consoles and Wii were 50 per cent higher than their best week in the Christmas season last year.

John Lewis is also enjoying an increase in cold weather purchases as the temperature has start dropping.

Retailer’s website Johnlewis. com reported a rise of over £1 million in sales as compared with the same period of 2008.

Speaking on the topic, John Lewis’ director of selling operations Nat Wakely said, “Customers are gift buying as well as getting the home ready for Christmas.”

Government’s plan to bring back VAT to 17.5 per cent in January also prompted customers to make big-ticket purchases.