John Lewis

Summary

John Lewis and Partners is a British brand of high-end department stores operating throughout the United Kingdom- with concessions also located in Ireland. From 1925 to 2022 the chain had a policy that it would match a lower price offered by a national high street competitor and this pledge was acclaimed as “Never Knowingly Undersold”.

The first John Lewis store opened in 1864 in Oxford Street, London and there are now thirty-five stores throughout Great Britain. The first John Lewis concession in Ireland opened in a Dublin Arnotts store in October 2016. In the same year, the first Australian John Lewis concession also opened.

On 1 January 2008, the Oxford Street store was awarded a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II as “suppliers of haberdashery and household goods”. John Lewis and Partners Reading is also the holder of a Royal Warrant from Elizabeth II in 2007 as suppliers of household and fancy goods.

History

The flagship store of John Lewis on Oxford Street- London began as a drapery shop.. opened by John Lewis in 1864. In 1905 Lewis acquired a second store in Sloane Square.

His eldest son John Spedan Lewis began the John Lewis Partnership in 1920. In 1933 the partnership purchased its first store outside London: Jessop and Son in Nottingham. Jessops rebranded itself as John Lewis on 27 October 2002. In 1940 the partnership bought Selfridge Provincial Stores. This group of sixteen suburban and provincial department stores included Cole Brothers in Sheffield- George Henry Lee in Liverpool- Robert Sayle in Cambridge- and Trewin Brothers in Watford.

In 1937 grocery company Waitrose was taken over by John Lewis and now operates as its supermarket arm. In 1949 it was reported that London branches included Peter Jones, John Barnes, John Pound and Bon Marche. The “provincial branches” were Robert Sayle, of Cambridge and Peterborough, Tyrrell and Green, of Southampton and Lance and Lance of Weston-super-Mare. They also had “silk shops” at Edinburgh, Hull and Newcastle upon Tyne.

In 1953, the Reading department store Heelas became part of the John Lewis group, retaining its original name until 2001 when it became John Lewis. That year the partnership also bought textile company Herbert Parkinson. The first John Lewis store constructed as part of a shopping centre was the relocated Jessops which has been in Victoria Centre since it opened in 1972.

The John Lewis Partnership was the first department store group in the UK to adopt central buying, launching the ‘Jonell(e)’ name for own-brand merchandise in 1937. That brand name has gradually been replaced with the ‘John Lewis’ name since 2001. Additional own brands include Collection by John Lewis as well as John Lewis & Co. and Collection Weekend by John Lewis. Several Waitrose own-brand products, such as cleaning materials and party stationery, are also available from John Lewis.

Investment has been made across the group in the twenty-first century. This included the renovation of Peter Jones. The original Oxford Street shop is still the flagship and largest branch in the partnership. A complete refurbishment of the building was completed in late 2007. This introduced the new ‘Place To Eat’ restaurant and a brasserie and bistro in the store. A ‘John Lewis Food Hall from Waitrose’ opened in the shop’s basement on 3 October 2007 and a second Food Hall opened at the John Lewis Bluewater store on 6 August 2009.

In June 2004, John Lewis announced plans to open its first store in Northern Ireland at the Sprucefield Park development, the province’s largest out of town shopping centre. The application was approved in June 2005 and the opening of the new store was scheduled for 2008. On 6 November 2008, it was announced that John Lewis would open their first department store outside the UK in Dublin. The Cardiff store opened in September 2009 and is the Partnership’s only department store in Wales. Stratford opened in 2011 together with a new Waitrose supermarket.

In February 2011, it was announced that John Lewis was appointed as the Official Department Store provider for the London 2012 Olympic Games. that year John Lewis also announced it was to open a department store in Birmingham city centre in 2014. The store was the flagship store for the estimated £100 million development and part of the new Grand Central shopping centre built on the south side of a redeveloped Birmingham New Street railway station.

In July 2011, John Lewis announced that it would be opening ten new stores under a new smaller format in city centre locations. The new smaller format department stores will hold John Lewis’s core lines of Home, Electrical and Fashions, all tailored to the local area. It was then announced that John Lewis would be the anchor tenant of a new development scheme in Leeds. The Eastgate Quarters scheme was approved in July 2011.

In 2014, John Lewis announced its intention to anchor a £1bn extension of the Westfield London shopping centre in Shepherd’s Bush. The store opened in March 2018. The following year John Lewis purchased 129–133 North Street in Brighton and in November 2016 initiated their internal resource-led Project to increase profitability across several product ranges.

A new store in Cheltenham opened in 2018 in the former Beechwood Shopping Centre andJohn Lewis underwent rebranding to become John Lewis and Partners. Waitrose underwent a similar rebranding. John Lewis then opened a store in Chelmsford, Essex following which the remodelled Westgate Shopping Centre reopened in Oxford. On 21 March 2020, however, John Lewis announced that it would temporarily close stores due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has had a substantial impact on John Lewis and in 2021 the company reported losses of £517million for the previous year.

In February 2022, John Lewis announced that later in the year it would end its “never knowingly undersold” pledge to match prices on branded products from other national high street retailers. The policy began in 1925. The pledge, which does not apply to internet purchases, was said by the company’s representatives to be becoming less relevant in an increasingly online market.

Mission

At the heart of John Lewis’ mission is a deep commitment to providing exceptional customer service that exceeds expectations. The company strives to deliver high-quality products across a wide range of categories while ensuring that every customer feels valued and cared for. John Lewis believes that the shopping experience should be more than a transaction; it should be a relationship built on trust, respect, and attentiveness. Every interaction, whether in-store or online, is guided by this mission, ensuring that customers are supported at every stage of their journey with personalized, thoughtful service.

John Lewis’ mission extends beyond customer satisfaction to include a focus on the well-being of its employees, who are referred to as partners. As a co-owned business, John Lewis believes in the power of partnership and shared responsibility. The company’s mission is to create an environment where every partner feels empowered, valued, and motivated to contribute to the business’s success. By investing in its employees through training, development, and profit-sharing opportunities, John Lewis aims to foster a culture of collaboration, where every partner has a stake in the company’s growth and the quality of service delivered to customers.

Sustainability and ethical business practices are also central to John Lewis’ mission. The company is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact and supporting communities through responsible sourcing, fair labor practices, and minimizing waste. John Lewis understands that modern consumers expect brands to operate ethically, and the company’s mission is to lead by example in the retail industry. Whether it’s through sustainable packaging, eco-friendly products, or community initiatives, John Lewis aims to operate in a way that benefits not only its customers and partners but the planet as well.

Vision

John Lewis envisions a future where retail is not only defined by the quality of products but by the integrity of the relationships behind them. At the core of John Lewis’ vision is the belief in the power of partnership. As a business owned by its employees, known as partners, John Lewis has built a unique model that prioritizes shared success and collective responsibility. This vision fosters a culture where each partner has a stake in the business, ensuring that customer service, product quality, and ethical practices are upheld at the highest standard. By empowering its employees, John Lewis aims to create a retail experience that is consistently exceptional and customer-focused.

Another key aspect of John Lewis’ vision is its dedication to sustainability and ethical business practices. As consumers become more conscious of their environmental and social impact, John Lewis aims to lead the way in responsible retail. The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, promoting fair trade, and sourcing sustainable materials across all its product lines. By integrating these values into every facet of the business, from supply chain management to product design, John Lewis envisions a future where profitability and sustainability go hand in hand, setting a new standard for ethical retail.

Ultimately, John Lewis’ vision is to create a retail landscape that values long-term relationships over short-term gains. By focusing on building trust with its customers, investing in its partners, and championing ethical business practices, John Lewis strives to be a brand that customers can rely on not only for quality products but also for a sense of social responsibility. This commitment to people, the planet, and ethical innovation reflects John Lewis’ aspiration to be more than just a retailer—it seeks to be a positive force for change in the retail industry and beyond.

Leadership team

Nish Kankiwala (CEO)
Nina Bhatia (Executive Director, Strategy and Commercial Development)
Shawn White (Chairman)
Rita Clifton (Deputy Chairman)
Bérangère Michel (Executive Director, Finance)

Products and Services

John Lewis is renowned for offering a diverse range of high-quality products that cater to every aspect of modern living. From home goods and electronics to fashion and beauty, John Lewis curates collections that combine both style and functionality. The brand is committed to sourcing products that not only meet its rigorous quality standards but also reflect its values of sustainability and ethical sourcing. Whether it’s through exclusive collaborations with leading designers or its own trusted in-house brands, John Lewis consistently delivers products that enhance customers’ lives. With a focus on innovation and timeless appeal, the company aims to offer something for everyone, ensuring that its customers can rely on its products for durability, value, and style.

In addition to its extensive product range, John Lewis offers a variety of services designed to provide personalized and expert support to its customers. Whether it’s home design consultations, installation services, or personal styling advice, the company is dedicated to making the shopping experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. John Lewis’ team of specialists is trained to offer tailored recommendations and expert guidance, ensuring that customers can make informed decisions. The brand also emphasizes convenience through its delivery, click-and-collect options, and customer-friendly return policies. With a mission to serve the needs of its customers at every step, John Lewis combines its premium products with exceptional services that make shopping both easy and enjoyable.

Awards and recognition

On 1 January 2008, the Oxford Street store was awarded a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II as “suppliers of haberdashery and household goods”. John Lewis and Partners Reading is also the holder of a Royal Warrant from Elizabeth II in 2007 as suppliers of household and fancy goods.

References

• Official website John Lewis
• Brand history John Lewis
• Facebook page of John Lewis Facebook
• John Lewis is UK’s biggest mutual after Co-op falls from top spot Telegraph
• Twitter page of John Lewis Twitter
• John Lewis goes Down Under with Australian shops Telegraph
• Instagram page of John Lewis Instagram
• John Lewis to close all 50 stores temporarily amid coronavirus crisis Independent
• Youtube channel of John Lewis Youtube
• Company history Waitrose
• Wikipedia page of John Lewis Wikipedia
• LinkedIn page of John Lewis LinkedIn
• Purpose pf John Lewis John Lewis
• John Spedan Lewis Wikipedia
• Partners John Lewis
• Ethics and Sustainability John Lewis
• Store locator John Lewis