John Lewis has unveiled the latest phase of its four-year, £800m store makeover programme.
Its flagship outlet on Oxford Street, as well as stores in High Wycombe and Cheadle, are benefitting from investment with new and bigger Beauty Halls. Beyond beauty, the Oxford Street site has seen improvements to all corners of its six floors, including home, tech, jewellery, and large electricals.
John Lewis has also announced a partnership with TV chef Jamie Oliver to bring his new Cookery School and Cafe to John Lewis Oxford Street in the spring of next year.
Spanning over 4,600 sq. ft., the school will have two classrooms hosting over 40 lessons as well as a 50-seat cafe. The facility will also provide free cookery lessons for children during the school holidays.
Executive Director for John Lewis, Peter Ruis, said: “The buzz is back in John Lewis, and we’re giving our customers even more reasons to shop in our brilliant stores. We’re backing ourselves with significant investment to ensure customers get the exceptional quality, outstanding service, and competitive prices they love about our unique brand.”
Meanwhile, Ruis said that John Lewis was “quietly optimistic” about trading in the run-up to Christmas despite the prospect of tax rises in next week’s budget.
“You tend to get a feel for these things, and what we’ve seen is this optimism build as we’ve gone into the autumn season,” he told reporters during a media event at its Oxford Street store.
He noted both John Lewis and Waitrose were both currently trading ahead of their Christmas plans.
“We have a budget every year, there’s a lot of press interest because it’s the first of this government. I don’t generally find it’s a huge thing for customers,” said Ruis.
NAM Implications:
- The John Lewis roll continues…
- …with increasing momentum.
- i.e. ‘John Lewis and Waitrose were both currently trading ahead of their Christmas plans’
- Better for suppliers to climb aboard now…
- …then attempt to play catchup later.
- Your call…
