Around 1,300 jobs at risk of redundancy as John Lewis Partnership announce the permanent closure of eight stores.
On a more positive note for the business, nine John Lewis shops will be re-opening in Aberdeen, Ashford, Brent Cross, Chichester, Oxford, Peterborough, Reading, Sheffield and White City Westfield will reopen on 30 July.
The news comes just a week after John Lewis Partnership Chair Sharon White informed staff that the job cuts and store closures were imminent and would form part of a post-lockdown cost-cutting drive.
“Closing a shop is always incredibly difficult and today’s announcement will come as very sad news to customers and partners,” White said. “However, we believe closures are necessary to help us secure the sustainability of the Partnership – and continue to meet the needs of our customers however and wherever they want to shop.”
