Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
John Lewis is set to invest £2million in trialling a new food concept at its Watford branch, offering customers the opportunity to top-up on Waitrose products whilst shopping in the department store.
The plans will convert 5,500sq ft of space on the second floor into a ‘little Waitrose at John Lewis’ shop. The shop design will look and feel like a little Waitrose, with the same products, but will be run by John Lewis staff.
The food offer will be built around core groceries including fresh fruit and deli products as well as convenience ranges. The shop will benefit from a bakery counter, an extensive range of ales and beers, and a large assortment of fine wines and champagnes. Shoppers will also be able to pick up fresh flowers and store cupboard items, including laundry and cleaning products.
John Lewis managing director Andy Street said: ‘The success of our Foodhalls at Oxford Street and Bluewater has taught us how to deliver a food offer in an inspiring and accessible way.
“This new little Waitrose at John Lewis Watford underlines our continuing commitment to invest and innovate in our shops and is a great example of the John Lewis and Waitrose brands working together to provide powerful and compelling destinations for our customers to visit.”‘
Work on the project is due to start next month and the ‘little Waitrose at John Lewis’ is due to open in June.
