John Lewis has shrugged off last week's profits slump to announce sales of its Christmas products were showing an 11.3% week-on-week increase. 

John Lewis sales figures plunged by 14% last week fueling fears cash conscience customers are trading down from the high-end stores due to the economic turn down. 

Marks & Spencer has launched an international delivery service giving potentially millions of customers access to its home accessories range through the internet.