John Lewis has added to the signs of green shoots in the economy, saying shoppers appear to be returning to pre-recession spending.

The partnership said 27 department stores recorded their best performance of the first half. Sales at the shops increased 2.2 per cent to £46.5 million in the week to June 20.

Weekly sales at its chain of 213 Waitrose supermarkets increased 11.8 per cent to £86.6 million.

The strong performance at the high-end chain indicates shoppers have started to revert to pre-recession behaviour, John Lewis said.

The performance at the department stores was boosted by Father's Day and strong sales of retail and electrical goods. Items for the home were less popular, as people are not moving and do not need to refurbish, the group said.

John Lewis, the employee-owned group regarded as a barometer of retail spending, said: "Our best week of the half so far. We were up on five of the seven days, and the week finished with a brisk Saturday, with Father's Day purchasing clearly in evidence".

Fashion sales increased 10 per cent, while sales of electricals and home technology were up 3.7 per cent. But sales in the home category fell 5.7 per cent.

Howard Archer, chief UK and European economist at IHS Global Insight, said: "At face value, the latest John Lewis department stores data look encouraging, particularly as they are seen as a good bellwether for the state of consumer spending. However, it is important not to read too much into the data as they were clearly lifted significantly by purchases for Father's Day."

Earlier this week, DSG International and Kesa, the electrical retailers, both reported slumps in profit and gloomy outlook statements.

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