John Lewis has announced the closure of its in-store services across several UK stores, putting hundreds of jobs at risk. The department store chain said it will shut cafes, dry cleaning, and other service counters in an effort to cut costs and adapt to changing shopping habits.
Details of the Closures
The affected services include cafes, dry cleaning, and other in-store amenities in around 20 stores. The company confirmed that up to 400 jobs could be affected, though it hopes to redeploy staff where possible. According to a company spokesperson, 'The decision to close these services was not taken lightly, but we must adapt to the way our customers are shopping.'
Impact on Employees
John Lewis will begin consultations with affected employees. The company has a strong track record of redeploying staff, but it acknowledged that some redundancies are likely. The union Usdaw expressed concern, stating that it would work to minimize job losses. 'This is a difficult time for our members,' said a Usdaw representative. 'We will ensure their rights are protected.'
Strategic Shift
The move comes as part of a wider strategic shift by John Lewis, which has been struggling with rising costs and changing consumer behavior. The company has already closed several stores in recent years and is focusing more on online sales. In-store services have been under review as they are less profitable than core retail operations.
Industry Context
The retail sector has faced significant challenges, with many traditional department stores closing or downsizing. John Lewis, owned by the John Lewis Partnership, has been hit hard by the pandemic and the shift to online shopping. The company reported a loss in its last financial year and has been implementing cost-cutting measures.
Customer Reaction
Regular shoppers expressed disappointment at the loss of services. 'The cafe was a big reason I came here,' said one customer. 'It made the shopping experience special.' However, others acknowledged the need for change. 'I mostly shop online now anyway,' said another.
Future of the Partnership
John Lewis has emphasized that it remains committed to its stores but must evolve. The partnership is also investing in new concepts, such as smaller format stores and enhanced online services. The company said it will continue to review its store portfolio to ensure it meets customer needs.
