John Lewis sales up over 20 percent

Shoppers enter a John Lewis store in Leicester, November 14, 2008.

LONDON (Reuters) - Sales at John Lewis department stores are up over 20 percent so far this week on the same time last year, the British retail bellwether said, adding to signs of a healthy pick up in pre-Christmas spending.

If sustained through the weekend, this would be the strongest year-on-year comparison for the chain so far this year, it said on Thursday, reporting particularly strong spending on technology products and home-related goods.

The data add to growing evidence that consumer spending is picking up after a brutal downturn in late 2008 and early 2009.

DSG International, Europe's second-biggest electrical goods retailer, on Thursday reported a return to underlying sales growth in recent weeks.

However, many store groups remain wary about prospects for 2010 as unemployment and taxes are expected to rise.

John Lewis department stores boss Andy Street told Reuters on Friday he expected healthy Christmas sales, but a "really tough" 2010.

Top sellers at Britain's biggest department store chain from Sunday to Wednesday included Gear4 Street Party iPod Speakers, Christmas cushions and cashmere jumpers for men, it said.

(Reporting by Mark Potter, editing by Will Waterman)