Once the behemoth of the high street, and an anchor store in major shopping malls, John Lewis’ chair Dame Sharon White has ambitious plans to launch mini John Lewis stores in 331 Waitrose stores, reported the Sunday Times (February 28).
The mini stores, which will encourage cross-selling, are likely to focus on gifts, homewares and Cook & Dine, with five already in play, to include Wallingford. The roll-out is scheduled to take place over the next 12-18 months. Plans are also afoot to launch a ‘local’ John Lewis format on the high street.
It is also anticipated that an announcement will be made next week that a further eight department stores will close their doors, bringing the total number of closures to 16. (Eight John Lewis stores were closed in 2020).
With online expansion escalating, the retailer’s aim is to have 70% of sales online by 2025.
Top: The John Lewis Partnership is undergoing radical change.
