John Lewis is trialling a new store format designed around the needs of its local community.
The department store has moved its Horsham store from an ‘at home’ format to a one-stop shop for fashion, beauty, technology and home design – offering local customers a range of fashion and beauty brands as well as personalised services from a 47,000 sq ft space.
The store, one of five John Lewis branches that trades alongside a branch of Waitrose, has been designed in order to reflect the needs of the local community. Personal styling, nursery and sleep advice services have now been brought into store, while a kids area has been installed to entertain child visitors.
A sleep zone includes a relaxing environment where customers can test potential mattress purchases in a zone that is conducive to a good night’s sleep, with calming sounds and scents and neutral painted walls. That’s part of a sensory approach taken throughout the store.
Click and collect services have also been relocated with extended operating hours.
Jack Howe, branch manager at John Lewis Horsham, says: “We’ve listened to our local customers in Horsham and we’re thrilled they can now shop and experience a larger John Lewis offering with more departments. Early customer reaction has been incredibly positive and they love our new look.
“As shoppers return to the high street, our multi-million pound investment provides a major boost for the town centre and will attract more shoppers into the store.”
John Lewis, which sells online and from 34 UK shops, is ranked Top100 in RXUK Top500 research.
