Like-for-like sales - which strip out the effect of changes in retail space - were up 6.2% from a year ago.

The retailer said total sales of household goods (up 13.6%) and fashion (10.3%) were particularly strong in the last five weeks of 2011.

It claimed a bigger market share in both sectors as well as in electronics.

Total sales for the period rose 9.3%, thanks in part to the opening of three new stores last year.

"Sales during the four weeks to Christmas Eve were outstanding," said Andy Street, John Lewis managing director.

"During that period, we broke the record for our biggest week ever with a sterling total of £133.1m for the week ending December 17th."

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