Christmas rush for boys' toys (From Daily Echo)

Christmas rush for boys' toys

3:38pm Sunday 22nd November 2009 in

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Boys' toys and men's fashion were among the best selling products at John Lewis department stores last week, the retailer said today.

The department store chain, which has a store in Southampton’s WestQuay shopping centre, recorded a 15% rise in sales in the week to Saturday compared to the same period last year as Christmas shopping begins in earnest.

A child's scooter was the firm's best selling product, but John Lewis said boys of all ages were the focus of spending.

David Barford, director of selling operations for John Lewis, said: ''The toy department has been incredibly busy this week.

''With the blue scooter topping the list of best sellers and the popularity of radio controlled cars and remote controlled helicopters, we think there will have been some dads playing a part in the purchasing, and perhaps even buying gifts for their children that they would like to play with themselves.''

Toys for the older male, like air hockey and football tables, were also said to have been snapped up for gifts, while men's fashion was also strong in the week.

In other departments, John Lewis said furniture, upholstery and beds performed well, with furnishing fabrics up 400% in some branches.

The retailer said the trend for mending and craft also continued to grow, with sales of sewing machines rising.

John Lewis said total sales at its department stores reached £78.54 million in the week.