Over the Christmas period department store John Lewis saw its internet sales grow, with "click-and-collect" overtaking its home delivery service for the first time. In the five weeks to December 27th, 56% of online customers used the collect-from-store service rather than have goods delivered to their home, the retail group said.  

John Lewis have also announced that it plans to increase stores from 42 to 65 in locations such as Birmingham, Leeds and Oxford.

Despite the big jump in online shopping, store sales were flat. However, Andy Street, managing director of John Lewis, said establishing a physical shop presence was key to winning internet customers, because they frequently browsed products before ordering online. "The role of the shop is absolutely critical in providing the online sales," he said.

Mr Street added that despite the success of his company's Black Friday sales, which resulted in the best week in the company's 150-year history, retailers would be wary next year of the disruption caused by mass promotions.