John Lewis is “super-charging its in-store experience” by introducing an expanded line of specialist concessions to its stores nationwide. The retailer says that the aim is to create “vibrant destinations where shopping meets discovery, world-class expertise and memorable experiences.”
Travel expert Audley Travel is launching in-store travel hubs across 12 stores from November. Three John Lewis branches will also host art galleries by Clarendon Fine Art, offering art consultancy and access to curated contemporary fine art and 20th-century masters. Randox Health is more than doubling its in-store health clinics, and luxury piercing and jewellery brand Tish Lyon is also doubling its presence in John Lewis stores.
These additions will sit alongside the range of services already offered in John Lewis stores, which include home design, personal styling and nursery consultations.
Physical transformation drive
The experiential in-store drive comes off the back of disappointing first-half results for the retailer that saw John Lewis Group record losses before tax of £124 million, with sales at John Lewis down 2%. It is pushing ahead with its planned £800 million brand transformation programme, aiming to increase footfall to its stores and bolster its omnichannel strategy.
Katie Papakonstantinou, Director of Services and Hospitality at John Lewis, said: “Our stores are the beating heart of the John Lewis brand, and physical retail is undergoing an exciting revolution. Today’s shoppers want far more than products on shelves, they want inspiration, helpful expertise, and extraordinary experiences.
“By uniting world-class specialist partners like Clarendon Fine Art and Audley Travel with our core expertise, we are transforming our stores into dynamic destinations that drive footfall and build customer loyalty,” she added.
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