John Lewis has unveiled an ambitious revamp project as part of an £800 million investment initiative designed to extend its beauty halls among other upgrades.
The department store leader acknowledged that some outlets are in need of "more love" following a period marked by challenges, including branch closures and substantial job cuts.
Committing over £250 million for refurbishments over the coming two years, the broader plan proposes an £800 million injection into the John Lewis brand over four years.
On Thursday, John Lewis detailed the makeover of its flagship Oxford Street location in London, announcing a novel partnership with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
The business is set to open a Jamie Oliver Cafe and cooking school at this premier location next year.
Jamie Oliver Group management shared that while the Oxford Street site is a pilot, they are anticipating additional openings within John Lewis stores contingent on its success.
The £6.5 million facelift of the Oxford Street shop also encompasses an enlarged beauty hall, a dedicated area for fragrances, and a Waterstones bookshop integrated into the premises.
Upgrades to the beauty sections are also on the cards for stores in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, and Cheadle, Greater Manchester, according to John Lewis.
The company has experienced a robust uptick in beauty sales recently, recording nearly a 7% surge in the first half of 2024 versus the previous year.
Peter Ruis, executive director for John Lewis, commented on the renewed vigour within the company: "The buzz is back in John Lewis and we're giving our customers even more reasons to shop in our brilliant stores."
He continued by underlining the brand's commitment to customer satisfaction and value: "We're backing ourselves with significant investment to ensure customers get the exceptional quality, outstanding service, and competitive prices they love about our unique brand."
The business, which is owned by its employees, also celebrated a robust onset to the festive season reporting that sales from its Christmas shop have seen an 18% increase compared to the previous year.
Mr Ruis also remarked on the positive mood observed in consumers, stating that there has been "optimism" among shoppers recently, despite the ongoing squeeze on household finances.
