Despite rising petrol prices and a sluggish economy, retailers are reporting record-breaking sales leading up to Father’s Day in the US.

Designer and retailer of high-end men’s fashion Barcelino has seen sales continue to rise this year with a major peak as Father's Day approaches.

"We have seen a 22% increase in luxury item sales," commented Sharam Sharei, Barcelino’s president.

According to the National Retail Federation, spending this year on Father's Day is expected to reach $9 billion in the US, with 32% of all purchases involving clothing.

Barcelino has seen an overwhelming increase in sales on expensive items such as Italian silk/wool blazers and leather jackets. With prices ranging between $1,500 and $6,000, these luxury items are attracting increasing interest.

Barcelino forecasts that these trends will continue through the remainder of 2006 and is projecting another double digit increase autumn.