John Lewis has released its trading statement for the five weeks to January 2nd 2010, revealing some strong performances in the fashion, home, electricals and home technology sectors.

Total sales for the period were 15.8 per cent up compared with last year, while like for likes were up 12.7 per cent.

Over the same period, fashion sales (including beauty) were 22.0 per cent up; home was 19.6 per cent up; and electricals and home technology increased by 11.4 per cent.

"We have seen excellent sales during Christmas and Clearance," said John Lewis MD, Andy Street. "Customers have responded extremely well to our offer and are clearly motivated by inspiring products, great value and exceptional service.

"The five-week period has seen a number of records broken. Sales surpassed the £100m milestone on four separate weeks and we beat our previous biggest ever week from 2007 in early December."

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Street continued: "As the year progresses we expect to see a long slow recovery, with the retailers who continue to focus on giving customers what they want prospering."