John LewisShoppers logging on for "Mega Monday" helped John Lewis to post a record weekly sales haul last week.

The department store said it recorded its best ever online sales of £7.3 million on the first Monday in December, dubbed Mega Monday, as people returned to work after payday to order online in time for Christmas.

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Online sales for the week as a whole were £42 million, helping to drive overall sales at the department store 15% ahead on the same week last year at £142 million.

Andrew Murphy, John Lewis retail director, said Mega Monday had lived up to its hype, but he added there was the prospect they might have an "equally mega" online day in the week ahead as shoppers were less anxious about delivery times than they had been in the past.

The colder weather helped boost sales of coats, scarves and knitwear at the department store, with wax jacket brand Barbour proving particularly popular.

Mr Murphy said tablet computers continue to be the "must have" item this Christmas, with sales boosted by new Apple ranges and the launch of other brands.

John Lewis, which has 37 shops across the UK, also saw sales of Christmas trees and decorations surge as shoppers started to get their homes ready for Christmas.

The partnership said traditional toys such as Lego and board games were selling well and new App toys, which combine physical toys with a tablet computer or smartphone, were also flying off the shelves.

Its food hampers and new Jamie Oliver "JME" range also saw escalating sales with its offers popular with "foodies".