Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
John Lewis is to increase significantly its department stores’ presence in the UK with the introduction of a flexible new format.
Leveraging the business’s strength as a multi-channel retailer, the new stores will offer a full John Lewis assortment tailored for individual locations and complemented by its comprehensive online operation.
John Lewis’ regular department stores have a selling space of around 132,000sq ft, and the At Home shops around 40,000sq ft. The new shops, ranging range in size between 65,000 to 100,000sq ft, will sit between these and will allow the business to consider opening in locations that have been considered unsuitable for a large traditional John Lewis branch.
The retailer says it has identified at least 10 locations across the UK that could support these bespoke department stores. The first will open in Exeter city centre next year and will “highlight fashion, home and consumer electronics concepts in an inspiring and contemporary setting”.
