Having earlier this month warned of more permanent store closures, John Lewis confirmed today that eight of its 42 outlets won’t reopen when the lockdown restrictions ease next month.
The eight sites identified for closure include four ‘At Home’ outlets in Ashford, Basingstoke, Chester and Tunbridge Wells, and four department stores in Aberdeen, Peterborough, Sheffield and York.
The retailer has entered into a consultation with the 1,465 staff that will be affected and hopes some can find other roles in the business.
The Partnership is reshaping its store portfolio as more shopping moves online. It expects 60% to 70% of John Lewis sales to be made online in the future. In July last year, John Lewis announced that it was permanently closing eight other stores.
After revealing heavy losses earlier this month, Chairman Sharon White said: “Hard as it is, there is no getting away from the fact that some areas can no longer profitably sustain a John Lewis store.”
The group stated today that some locations just don’t have enough customers, which is resulting in the proposed closures. It stressed that the eight shops were “financially challenged” prior to the pandemic.
“Having fewer bigger stores allows us to invest significantly to improve our remaining ones, showcasing our inspiring products with more space dedicated to experiences and services,” it said. “They will be enticing and exciting places to shop, more reflective of the tastes and interests of local customers.”
As well as growing its online business, the group is trialling the introduction of John Lewis shopping areas in its Waitrose supermarkets and ramping up click & collect services. It is also testing new smaller, local neighbourhood formats that will offer key John Lewis lines.
White said: “Today’s announcement is incredibly sad news for our affected Partners, for our customers and for the communities we’ve served over many years.
“The high street is going through its biggest change for a generation and we are changing with it. Customers will still be able to get the trusted service that we are known for – however and wherever they want to shop.”
Meanwhile, the Partnership also confirmed today that it had reached an agreement with XPO Logistics to operate its Waitrose distribution centre in Leyland, Lancashire. It stated that whilst Leyland remained key to its operations, the site was “significantly underused”.
The decision will see the 436 staff at the site transfer to XPO this summer.
Andrew Murphy, Executive Director of Operations, said: “I am very grateful for the efforts of Partners in Leyland who have served the Partnership brilliantly. The agreement announced today secures employment at the site and I am confident that, under the stewardship of XPO Logistics, Leyland will go from strength to strength.”
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