YORK's new John Lewis store sold more than 20,000 items in its first three days as customers flocked to the £15 million store.

Key statistics for the first weekend of trading showed that the new store, which is part of the £90 million Vangarde Shopping Centre, sold enough Liz Earle branded beauty products to equal the height of York Minster if stacked up on top of each other.

The shop, which is the first John Lewis in North Yorkshire, opened to customers last week on Thursday 10.

Branch manager Robert Garnish said: “The atmosphere in the shop has been amazing and we couldn’t have asked for a better reception from local shoppers.

"On behalf of all the Partners, I’d like to thank every customer that has come through our doors so far, especially the 150 or so who queued up before opening.

“I’d also like to thank our hardworking team, which has gone above and beyond to give our customers the best experience in-store.

"I’m glad that we’re able to bring John Lewis’s broad range of products closer to home for residents in York and North Yorkshire, and that our Partners can provide trusted advice and product knowledge to local shoppers.”

Preparing for the Easter break was found to be a priority for shoppers, with Easter gift food equating to almost half of all gift food sales for the opening weekend.

The Hotel Chocolat Cocoa BarCafé also performed well, with shoppers buying chocolate gifts, First weekend trading sales have also shown that a key focus for local customers was to update their homes with decorations or design services.

Linens and bath accessories saw strong sales, and the Home Design service was popular in-store, with a number of home visits confirmed and several in-store consultations completed.

Mint Velvet was the number one selling womenswear brand, closely followed by Jigsaw, Phase Eight, Whistles and White Stuff.

Interesting facts about first week of trading:

• More than 50 fits on lingerie in the first three days

• One customer bought £500 worth of ladies' shoes

• The first engagement ring was sold at £450

• 3330 teas and coffees were sold in the first three days

• 1500 items of bakery were sold in the first three days

• Two Apple iMacs were sold within the first 10 minutes of opening