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

The department store chain 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.