John Lewis to close eight stores putting over 1,400 jobs at risk

The retailer said it was planning to permanently close four of its department stores in Aberdeen, Peterborough, Sheffield and York, and four of its At Home fascias in Ashford, Basingstoke, Chester and Tunbridge Wells.

John Lewis said it had made the decision to close the eight stores after “substantial research” into consumer behaviour around the UK showed there were not enough customers in the locations to “profitably sustain a large John Lewis store”.

Despite the closures, which take John Lewis’ UK-wide store estate to 34, the retailer said department stores “remain critical to our future success”. 

“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,” the retailer said. 

The partnership said it would be looking to expand its network of John Lewis shops within Waitrose concept and would be looking to increase its click-and-collect services, both through its grocery arm and with third parties. 

It said it expected 60% to 70% of sales to be made online in the future and half of current customers use a blend of online and bricks-and-mortar shopping. 

John Lewis said “every effort will be made” to find roles for affected staff within the business. Staff unable to relocate within the group will be given access to the retailer’s retraining fund and those who have worked for the retailer for over a year will have access to redundancy pay.

The remaining 34 stores will reopen on April 12, with the exceptions of Glasgow, which will reopen April 26 and Edinburgh, which is slated to reopen on May 14. 

Chair Dame Sharon 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.”

Executive director Pippa Wicks added: “Closing stores is the toughest thing we do as a partnership because we all own our business. If the closures are confirmed, every effort will be made to find new roles for partners and for us to continue to serve our customers by providing access to John Lewis in different ways.

“Alongside a growing online business and the expansion of next-day click and collect, we will invest in our in-store services and experiences, as well as new, smaller neighbourhood formats and the introduction of John Lewis ranges in more Waitrose shops.”