John Lewis to permanently close eight more shops
24/03/2021
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The move puts 1,465 jobs at risk and means it has axed a third of its stores in less than a year.
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24/03/2021 13:12:45
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Such a shame. Living in Sheffield.. a huge blow to the City Centre
They have been effectively blackmailing the city council gor years and blocked many schemes. Reap what you sow
If major locations such as Sheffield are closing then John Lewis must be in serious trouble.
John Lewis (formerly Cole Brothers in Sheffield which opened in 1847) is the biggest store in Sheffield and is one of the reasons why people choose to go into Sheffield city centre.
A very sad day.
John Lewis (formerly Cole Brothers in Sheffield which opened in 1847) is the biggest store in Sheffield and is one of the reasons why people choose to go into Sheffield city centre.
A very sad day.
they agreed a very favourable deal with sheff council last year - sold the building to them in return for lower rent... and now they have bailed on the deal. At least sheffield can now flatten that ugly building and replace it with something more useful in the current climate and something flagship for the heart of the city renovations that are slowly making a difference to our centre.
Meadowhall finished John Lewis off in Sheffield (IMO) as it made for 2 major shopping centres. Without John Lewis (and I bought plenty of stuff at the Sheffield store) I doubt I will set foot in the city centre (apart from meeting for drinks/meal) again. Very sad day!
Don't really want to visit Meadowhell either - will have to go to Leeds to check out and arrange major purchases.
Don't really want to visit Meadowhell either - will have to go to Leeds to check out and arrange major purchases.
Will kill trade in the city centre and hopefully the useless council along with it.
It is a shame, but if you look at the state of the building inside, the righting was on the wall for some time. It is a shame, but at the same time, the service you get in John Lewis is not as good as it used to be. You can still do click and collect at Waitrose in Sheffield.
Particularly bad for the trans community
I’ve remember starting working in Sheffield just as Meadowhall opened. The city centre was like a horrible ghost town back then!
Are JL going to payback the furlough money they have been claiming then?
I hope so, the Government needs to go after them and other companies that have claimed furlough payments and then made people redundant.
Check the news and you’ll find out. Anything to get your name on HYS!
No because the furlough money was then paid it to the staff. Unless of course you want to take the money back from the staff before making them redundant.
So instead do you think they should have decided which stores they should close 12 months ago (when no-one at all knew what we were in for) and then made their workers redundant? How do you think they'd be doing now?
Ok, time moves on /shrug
sad for those employed but that is the nature of progress I am afraid. Bricks and mortar shops are a dying breed.
sad for those employed but that is the nature of progress I am afraid. Bricks and mortar shops are a dying breed.
Although the right format WILL survive!
Did the same people moaning about Amazon kick off when the supermarkets moved out of town and massively widened their product ranges? Those retailers which adapt will survive. Those that don't won't. It's the way of the world.
Save the VIDEO SHOP!!!
Save the VIDEO SHOP!!!
I have used John Lewis in lockdown the same amount of times I did prior to lockdown. We need to take this opportunity to adjust to our new shopping behaviours. With that the tax system need to adjust to it too. No point taxing bricks and mortar and not taxing internet shopping.
John Lewis becomes another casualty of the government's monumental overreaction to coronavirus.
Shame on you Boris.
Shame on you Boris.
Where is your evidence that businesses trading on the internet do not pay tax?
So penalise new efficient companies to subsidise those companies which have absolutely failed to change? Amazon et al operate under exactly the same tax regime as the bricks and mortar only retailers.
You really are completely wrong in your assertion. Any fault with the rules governing tax in the UK is the fault of the Government. Individuals and businesses seek to pay the minimum level of tax within the rules. You want that to change, change the rules! And why should online businesses be taxed for being successful? They chose a trading model same as the high street shops.
Not to mention taxes on people of colour that should be abolished
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Not all shoppers are young and happy to purchase on-line all the time. Some of us like to see/feel before we buy.
VAT is the same. When mail order grew in the ‘60’s I don’t recall it being subject to a tax comparison with physical stores.
Soon there will be little left to tax but online orders. It is a real shame they didn't start applying this with the last budget. IT has to happen sooner or later and will be needed even more when they all use EVs and road fuel duty disappears.
very sad to see what is happening to John Lewis. Say what you like but the store is still a major draw in many towns
They put someone in charge with no retail experience to tick boxes. Outsourced their TV and white goods repairs, cafes and restaurants. Web support offshored to India and went all WOKE in their adverts. No more to say really.
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Fully agree - JL has always been a major draw for our shopping centre in Peterborough. The JL experience for us was ruined several years ago now when they undertook a major reduction in floor area resulting in the store basically becoming a building site. I will miss the visits to buy electrical goods - always our store of choice.
If major locations such as Sheffield are closing then John Lewis must be in serious trouble.
John Lewis (formerly Cole Brothers in Sheffield which opened in 1847) is the biggest store in Sheffield and is one of the reasons why people choose to go into Sheffield city centre.
A very sad day.
John Lewis (formerly Cole Brothers in Sheffield which opened in 1847) is the biggest store in Sheffield and is one of the reasons why people choose to go into Sheffield city centre.
A very sad day.
Yes your right it's a big blow for lots of shoppers aswell as the staff. Will leave a huge dent in the high street. Fact of the matter is the landlords are the problem. Business rates are far to high and that's the problem.
Well they weren’t really as if they were and they were making money the company would not be closing them
If John Lewis are still a major draw in towns, why are they shutting stores?
Agreed...along with a good M&S. Something must make high streets into a destination worth going to - even with no intention to buy. If these major draws go then they are done for.
It is the staff I feel sorry for. With so many other shops & business going what change for them & they families of finding another job
Lack of diversity killed John Lewis. Trans people like me don't feel safe shopping there.
that's after they have taken over the high street pushed all the independents out and now they are off. is that fair trade ? or even trading fairly?
Absolutely, a major draw for most placed. I can't help but think this is a purely political move, not by the store itself but how the government has shaped the economy in some areas.
Indeed! A significant blow to many cities - not least to Peterborough, mentioned in your top story, in which it filled a significant part of Peterborough's central Queensgate mall, and provided a pleasant upmarket and spacious shopping experience, and a very comprehensive one, over several floors, plus cafe. It'll be much missed - the impact of its closure, a serious blow to the city's appeal.
They're over-rated, in my opinion. If you just want good customer service, many of the big online retailers are just as good, if not better at it. JL physical shops used to be a destination in their own right and I think they'll struggle to compete effectively online.
Just another victim of today's click and collect culture.
Sadly, the day of the department store is now behind us and folks habits have changed from in store browsing to online selection.
Sadly, the day of the department store is now behind us and folks habits have changed from in store browsing to online selection.
Not so sure that is behind us, since MandS will definitely survive. JL would benefit from re-introducing a quality food hall.
Are JL going to payback the furlough money they have been claiming then?
They weren't in a position to make the decision earlier, since no-one could foresee the consequence of COVID. If they had closed them sooner ALL of the people would have become unemployed and would have used money from the public purse in one form or other. Taking the Furlough money might only have delayed the inevitable, but it saved many people from hardship.
Why can you comment on political news stories anymore on the BBC website?
Hopefully not because Boris has appointed Richard Sharp, a former Goldman Sachs Banker, as BBC Chair Removed
Hopefully not because Boris has appointed Richard Sharp, a former Goldman Sachs Banker, as BBC Chair Removed
Not to mention the appointment of the former deputy chairman of the Hammersmith and Fulham Conservative party as Director-General. Meanwhile, the deluded Tory followers and trolls on here still whine about the 'lefty' BBC.
I agree. Or the immigration news? But they would have to block 50% of the ‘offending’ comments?
Nonsense, the majority of the time, the only stories open to HYS are Tory bashing headlines.
A poor attempt to crowbar a government bias argument, when the opposite is so true.
A poor attempt to crowbar a government bias argument, when the opposite is so true.
You're complaining about a couple that come from the right out of 22,749 far lefties ? Still a long way to go yet.
Good thing. I'm sick of comments insulting either political party and missing the point of the topic under discussion. Too many trolls. I want to know what other ordinary people think, and those better informed than I am (and than the journo!). Mods should remove insults with nothing to add to the discussion.
5 of the 8 stores closing opens in the 2010s. A similar story could be seen in the previous list of closures.
Blaming the internet is merely there to mask poor judgement in opening the stores in the first place. The internet existed in the 2010s and was doing rather nicely for itself.
Blaming the internet is merely there to mask poor judgement in opening the stores in the first place. The internet existed in the 2010s and was doing rather nicely for itself.
10 years ago online shopping was not as all pervasive as it is now & people still shopped as a leisure activity & to try before you buy. JL was, and still is, a premium brand. Today, it’s different & the demographic has changed in many UK towns & cities. They have to prune those unprofitable stores, particularly those in the wrong locations before it’s too late.
I did some work with JL a couple of years ago. Couldn't ask for a more pleasant set of colleagues. Motivated, knowledgeable, and good-natured. A real shame.
Best place I ever worked, with friendly colleagues and supportive management, a pity it was only for three months many years ago
It wasn't in the call centre then? Management just interested in Sales but most of the customers wanted to talk to store staff for advice (which they formerly were able to do).
They may have been nice people, but were a big part of the problem. Essentially they are shop workers - putting things on shelve and operating tills. When they elevated themselves to "partners" and demanded annual bonuses, the cost became a drag on the company
I'm afraid it looks like the chickens have come home to roost. Shame, as I used to love browsing there before I bought the item online
I'm afraid it looks like the chickens have come home to roost. Shame, as I used to love browsing there before I bought the item online
Shame they couldn't live up to diversity and employ any trans people. That's why nobody wants to go there.
Lock downs deliver, it will keep giving through out this year and for those who do not understand as each business closes it ripples out into other sectors, so you job may well be next.
The full effects of the Lockdowns will not fully unfold until the end of 2022 and any economist or politician that tells you differently is being totally unrealistic.
John Lewis is using COVID to paper over bad decisions previous chief executives made.
There's a reason that the majority of closures are new format stores. They didn't work and now is an easy time to exit them.
They were heading down the toilet prior to 2020. That's why the turfed out top brass at both JL and Waitrose.
There's a reason that the majority of closures are new format stores. They didn't work and now is an easy time to exit them.
They were heading down the toilet prior to 2020. That's why the turfed out top brass at both JL and Waitrose.
Such sad news, the draconian measures of keeping shops closed for so long will prove to be the final straw for many shops. Sad day for Aberdeen and all the rest affected by this news.
While I have sympathy with your point, the lock downs have only accelerated the demise of poor business models in an ever changing consumer driven world.
I like JL, I like shopping in JL, but then I'm not 'price sensitive' when I do shop. I buy quality, just less often.
The 'Primark world' may survive, fueled by our disposable buying habits, but otherwise, online is the future.
I like JL, I like shopping in JL, but then I'm not 'price sensitive' when I do shop. I buy quality, just less often.
The 'Primark world' may survive, fueled by our disposable buying habits, but otherwise, online is the future.
Exact opposite in my experience I have shopped there for years and have always had excellent service, other family and friends say the same!
You have obviously had a conversation with Amazon customer service, ??
But the "VERY poor service" you most likely received from one individual may not be any of the individuals who are losing their jobs! I suspect they don't miss your custom.
Oh dear, currently 42 down votes compared to 1 up (who was that, I wonder?).
Clearly none of you have ever spent over £1500 on a carpet from them - bought in November delivery promised between Christmas and New Year - eventually fitted in late March.
Dyson vacuum cleaner - queue to buy, queue to pay and half an hour in store waiting for it to come from warehouse - a bit like GUM
£350 pots made of stainless steel, rivets holding handles - aluminium - so fell off
Dyson vacuum cleaner - queue to buy, queue to pay and half an hour in store waiting for it to come from warehouse - a bit like GUM
£350 pots made of stainless steel, rivets holding handles - aluminium - so fell off
Are JL going to payback the furlough money they have been claiming then?
I don't like to see shops like JL struggle. I've always been impressed by them and their service is second to none. It is however the times we live in and shops and shopping has changed. Even before lockdown, I barely entered a shop if I could help it. Best of luck to the staff affected.
You don't like to see shops like JL struggle but won't visit them. You can't make this stuff up, they need shoppers to survive
Shame. Last of the "traditional" big department stores here in NE Scotland. Even though I shop a lot online (and from John Lewis online among others) it was sometimes good to visit the store itself. I can (sort of) see the logic in the closures but... that's "progress".
Not sure what the building will be used for - more (student?) apartments I guess.
Not sure what the building will be used for - more (student?) apartments I guess.
It’s a shame, and I feel really sorry for their lovely employees, but even the great JL are not immune from our changes in buying habits. They won’t disappear as long as they continue to give excellent customer service and have a good range of quality items on display and in stock.
The main problem was the poor location of these stores in the first place, driven by cheap rents rather than footfall. They need to focus on smaller home stores in key locations or home stuff in large profitable Waitrose stores only. The rest is online click and collect, trading on the premium JL brand.
Are JL going to payback the furlough money they have been claiming then?
This will affect the greater footfall for retailers located around John Lewis with wider implications . I am especially saddened to read that Aberdeen is closing given its importance to retail in the city.
I agree with you. What’ll be left of our city centre? Dying of a slow death.
Agreed, it was one of the best shops in the city and almost all my trips down town included a few bits from John Lewis. What with Debenhams closing as well, there won't be much left soon.
Affa sad. Toon is a ghost town. Not just pandemic related; the short sightedness of Union Square ripped it's heart out. Another ACC fail.
Unimaginable once to think no E&M, Frasers, Woolies, Littlewoods, BHS, Debenhams and the coopy/John Lewis. Not one dept store left.
Bought all my electricals/white goods from JL. Still second to none for service. Gutted for the staff, all the best to them.
Unimaginable once to think no E&M, Frasers, Woolies, Littlewoods, BHS, Debenhams and the coopy/John Lewis. Not one dept store left.
Bought all my electricals/white goods from JL. Still second to none for service. Gutted for the staff, all the best to them.
I don’t think it was as a result of Covid , certainly not in Aberdeen . The store , indeed the city centre , was dying before then as a result of poor decision making by the council ...also too many highly priced designer clothes , furniture no one wanted to buy . A bit like Grace Brothers . Too many highly paid chiefs .
Give it another 5 years and Aberdeen will be all boarded up and they will switch the lights off. What a change in 10 years.
Even worse for the black community
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A kick in the teeth for Sheffield, right after the local council has bent over backwards to accommodate them. I like to see products before I buy & ask questions of the staff, who are unusually knowledgeable about their goods. Without a car, click and collect is no use.
Home delivery?
Do you have a clipboard ?
I am surprised they stayed open as long as they did with MeadowHall on their doorstep. But it is a great shame for Sheffield.
The centre of Sheffield will have little left now - was JL really doing so badly in Sheffield before the pandemic? This will loose them huge numbers of loyal customers.
Bent over backwards?
Ever since I can remember the Sheffield council have been making it harder to drive into the town centre and expensive to park.
People then go to out of town centres that are free to park
Councils response: make it harder to drive to the centre and more expensive to park
More people then go to out of town centres that are free to park
Now the shops are shutting. I wonder why
Ever since I can remember the Sheffield council have been making it harder to drive into the town centre and expensive to park.
People then go to out of town centres that are free to park
Councils response: make it harder to drive to the centre and more expensive to park
More people then go to out of town centres that are free to park
Now the shops are shutting. I wonder why
If click and collect is 'no use without a car' then how is going to the shop in person any better?
Good luck carrying a TV home on the bus.
Good luck carrying a TV home on the bus.
A kick in the teeth for a council that have:
- Made it ridiculously expensive to park
- Made it Harder to get to the various hospitals
- Made it impossible to park near the hospitals when the hospital car parks are full
-Facilitated the awful Meadowhall
I could go on, but the comparison to most other cities isn’t favourable.
- Made it ridiculously expensive to park
- Made it Harder to get to the various hospitals
- Made it impossible to park near the hospitals when the hospital car parks are full
-Facilitated the awful Meadowhall
I could go on, but the comparison to most other cities isn’t favourable.
Sheffield council were damn lucky JL stayed in the City after the approval of Meadowhall. The persecution of the motorist by the council hasn't helped either. Like most councils, it's run by individuals who have no idea what they are doing.
This is actually progress. The day of these sorts of shop are over - and the pandemic is merely speeding up the inevitable.
Well said sir.
John Lewis has lost its way
Similar story to Marks and Sparks. Instead of sticking to its core and loyal market it tried a bit of this and that and ended up much worse off
Similar story to Marks and Sparks. Instead of sticking to its core and loyal market it tried a bit of this and that and ended up much worse off
If people want shops to thrive some really need to get off their lazy arses and go to the actual shops. Shopping on-line is ok if you physically can’t shop but is killing the high street and city centres and is causing the loss off important retail jobs.
So you want me to sit in traffic for ages, spend money on parking, dodge the monkey dust heads and go to a physical shop to find out yet again that my size isn't available? Erm no. I'd rather spend five minutes online and go outside with the kids.
then retailers need to think about what's available in shops, some retailers have brilliant clothing ranges online in maternity, tall, petite, larger sizes, yet carry none of the range in store.
Taxes are what kills the high streets, the cost of parking for a few hours is more than a meal in our City Centre.
Too used to failing to find right colour in my size, or matchine separates. Waste of my time, parking fee, petrol and strength. If assistants say "not in that size, order it online" why bother visiting the shop?
It's not just retail jobs at risk here, as the high street declines and our reasons for even venturing into town and city centres narrow, the detrimental knock on effect to the hospitality sector will be as significant in the long term as covid lockdowns have been in the short term.
I have given up trying to shop locally.
I live 15 miles away from our town centre, and every single time I try to shop for anything, regardless of whether it is through an independent seller or a brand store it won't be in the shop. I will be told 'try online' because our shops are small and carry a limited range.
So why would I do a 30 mile round trip when I can just 'try online'?
I live 15 miles away from our town centre, and every single time I try to shop for anything, regardless of whether it is through an independent seller or a brand store it won't be in the shop. I will be told 'try online' because our shops are small and carry a limited range.
So why would I do a 30 mile round trip when I can just 'try online'?
So?
You say that like high streets and city centres have some higher moral imperative demanding they survive.
They don't. they are just another transient concept, life moved on before the mass migration into cities and it will continue to go on when you 3D print all your needs at home licensing patterns from designers.
You say that like high streets and city centres have some higher moral imperative demanding they survive.
They don't. they are just another transient concept, life moved on before the mass migration into cities and it will continue to go on when you 3D print all your needs at home licensing patterns from designers.
I can’t wait for shops to reopen again. Online shopping is fine for some things, but nothing beats the browsing, feeling fabrics and buying something that fits instead of spending hours queueing in a post office to send things back.
Not to mention the social aspect, meeting friends and having a spot of lunch while you’re shopping.
Not to mention the social aspect, meeting friends and having a spot of lunch while you’re shopping.
Quite, and hopefully in a more independant and dynamic high street that isn't a clone of every other town dominated by the same large chains. These are exciting times for those with a more positive mental outlook.
Me too .. and we must go shopping or lose our shops. Recently made 3 online purchases... one tin of paint despatched quickly .. but not really the right colour.. An expensive clothes line.. dumped on the path outside my house, and some garden stuff from a well known supplier , 2 parts have arrived, balance outstanding after 3 weeks... but I've paid for it! I do not want my life to go online!
“feeling fabrics” . Reminds me of a scene from Father Ted.
You're absolutely correct. There's been a big surge towards online shopping the last few years, hence many stores struggled before covid, but as they say, you don't miss the water until the well runs dry. I think a lot of people have had a bellyful of online shopping - it will get worse when you start getting charged VAT at your front door on anything from Europe, before it's handed over!
Bogus, no one is queuing in post offices to return goods, not in this century!
Agree giving up on mail order dresses, I just want to visit the store and buy all new. I want to fling out all the old and start afresh, cannot do that on line, the sizing fitting are all so varied, impossible and a complete pain
Shoes are a real lottery to buy correct fitting ones online. Even different types from the same size and brand can fit differently.
Sounds like the script of 'Brief Encounter', you romantic you.
I agree. I need a new sofa but really want to sit on some, see the fabrics etc.
Putting up with the bust springs on my ancent one.
Putting up with the bust springs on my ancent one.
I hate shopping full stop but when I have to, i agree that it’s better to have the choice.
Ahh yes...I remember walking past a Jessops shop a few years ago....when they were all shutting dow. A member of staff a printed and stuck a very succint message to the window for the passers by....
' We are closing down. We would like to thank those of you who have visited our store for advice, recommendations, demonstrations......then bought the product at Amazon'
' We are closing down. We would like to thank those of you who have visited our store for advice, recommendations, demonstrations......then bought the product at Amazon'
That is fine, you keep using shops. If you see them as entertainment you will have to pay for the performance. Hours of 'entertainment' . Have to be a woman!
Not been in a high street shop in a decade or so.
Never sent a thing back from on line, just order what you want. Some very nasty habits with clothes has developed, complete liars just ordering several and returning most. That has to end.
Not been in a high street shop in a decade or so.
Never sent a thing back from on line, just order what you want. Some very nasty habits with clothes has developed, complete liars just ordering several and returning most. That has to end.
Outsourced everything, put someone in charge with no retail experience, went all WOKe in their ads. Good riddance really.
There’s always Amazon ??
Amazon do what most of these retailers should have been doing but chose not to.
But wouldn't it be nice if they and all other online giants paid Tax appropriate to how much money/profit they make, it's immoral/greedy and not far short of being illegal what they get away with, C'mon Boris and Co lets start taxing them at a rate that is realistic for the profit made.
Unfortunately that's true and also a lot of the problem! We've become obsessed with paying the lowest possible price for everything without considering the impact on the entire supply chain...or the environment. As long as we get exactly what we want for next to nothing in next to no time.. personally I don't think that will last forever
Doesn’t surprise me. They have next to no stock In the stores. I kept getting told to order the size (or whatever) what I want online. I gave up in the end.
JL have struggled with online service over the years and relied heavily on their expensive stores. Are the days of the department store numbered? Almost certainly. Debenhams, House of Fraser all going down the pan.
The online superstores are blossoming driven by us, the consumer.
I think the big Malls still have a future, the 'shopping experience', but outside of that there will be more closures
The online superstores are blossoming driven by us, the consumer.
I think the big Malls still have a future, the 'shopping experience', but outside of that there will be more closures
Wonder what your apology for Thornton's going down the pan will be They probably had an EU business model no doubt
Malls in the US are dying, may happen here when local Government looks around desperately trying to replace lost business rates and the tax from shoppers cars.
Lock downs deliver, it will keep giving through out this year and for those who do not understand as each business closes it ripples out into other sectors, so you job may well be next.
5 of the 8 stores closing opens in the 2010s. A similar story could be seen in the previous list of closures.
Blaming the internet is merely there to mask poor judgement in opening the stores in the first place. The internet existed in the 2010s and was doing rather nicely for itself.
Blaming the internet is merely there to mask poor judgement in opening the stores in the first place. The internet existed in the 2010s and was doing rather nicely for itself.
I think that by the end of the decade, department stores as we know them will largely be a thing of the past. You might get the odd one with local heritage like Jarrold in Norwich or Harvey Nichols in Leeds and such that survives but that's probably it. Even then, they'll have to adapt to internet orders. That's just the way it is and will be from now on I reckon.
They could be resurrected, but the local councils would have to stop hating cars and using stores and cars as cash cows as the first step.
Sad times. Odd that you get bonus Avios from JL for buying online. We go to the store to try stuff on and have a look, then go home to buy online. Should be the other way round surely?
That is why stores are struggling to make ends meet. The purchase shows as an online one & the store loses another sale.
I agree with you it should be the other way round but the fact is - it isn't.
Stores are too expensive to run as browsing galleries.
I agree with you it should be the other way round but the fact is - it isn't.
Stores are too expensive to run as browsing galleries.
The John Lewis in Peterborough is central to the town and that’s disappointing as they guaranteed that one previously. Real shame as the city already has 40% unoccupied stores and losing one of the biggest won’t help
John Lewis Peterborough has been since day one, the Cornerstone of the Queensgate Shopping Centre - itself a monument to "doing it right" - Queensgate still looks new and fresh some 40 years or so from opening, whereas most shopping centres from that era have aged badly. I hope the JL Closure does not bring down the standards of the whole centre
Lived in Peterborough for 25 years before moving to Germany in 2006. I'm old enough to remember the buildings/pubs that were knocked down to build Queensgate in 1982. Shopping in Queensgate on a Saturday morning was all about bumping into friends and a very socialble experience. JL was always the flagship/anchor store. Such a shame.
The sales were down significantly when they did the refurb as half the store was closed, they missed out on the Xmas sales as it was behind schedule, but it was busy and customers were loyal. Shortly after re-opening, customers were back at full swing and then Covid happened, so the store balance sheet is not going to look good after 2 years of reduced sales, but closing it is not the answer.
I thought the massive Primark was a bigger draw for most of the current residents. Grim place and easy to see why JL pulled out.
This is so sad. The company under its current CEO have become a nightmare to deal with, and have gone down the toilet. I speak to the staff and they know what customers want, but the CEO seems not to listen. This is death by a 1000 cuts.
However, this is what happens when you put someone in charge without any retail experience.
However, this is what happens when you put someone in charge without any retail experience.
Our politcicans have next to no experience too, learning on the job is the british way.
Look at Mat Hancock, but he quickly learnt how to send money to friends
Look at Mat Hancock, but he quickly learnt how to send money to friends
I agree. My perception is that the CEO is either clueless or arrogant. JL closed our local profitable Waitrose. Why? The belief is that while making a profit, that profit was not enough.
Some businesses such as John Lewis/ Waitrose only help to build more divided society , feeding people's ego and class obsessed society which exists in UK. Without JLWaitrose UK would become fairer, more equal , more like a Scandinavian class-less society of opportunities to all. But it won't change till the government is pro greed and capitalism. Think of it when voting next time.
So basically, you'd only be happy with pound shops? There are opportunities for all. Too many people want the excuse not the effort though.
John Lewis and you, both casualties of lock-down ,though in your case lock-down would appear to have exacerbated an existing condition - Socialism. No cure except a Socialist Government, though that also can have catastrophic effects, a final detachment from reality. Symptoms being a declaration that there has NEVER EVER been a socialist Government, once the drawbacks of them become obvious.
Is this a spoof - you think Waitrose is at the heart of inequality? Think Marx would have delved a little deeper!
John Lewis cannot be allowed to close! It's the only island of sanity remaining in shopping centres. The rest impose 'canned music' on their customers, wrongly assuming it will trick them into buying more! The opposite happens and that is why other department stores have lost their customers. The louder the music the lower the sales!
The other department stores lost their customers as they did absolutely nothing to entice you in. No effort and certainly no attempt to get prices to within a country mile of online retailers.
Bit weird but ok
Very sad but John Lewis stores have been declining for some years. By that I mean the range of goods for sale in the various departments seemed to have become more and more restricted. Was always the must visit shop for electrical appliances, cookers, fridges etc. and lighting though. I hope they can make a big success of the online presence.
I don't think they've been declining as such ... they chose to go down the "designer" shop within a shop route to the detriment of their own brand,good quality every day stuff at a reasonable price, whether it was clothes or a saucepan. Exactly the same as Debenhams. I am not 5'10" and a size 8, neither do I need a Designer to endorse my T towels ..I suspect I'm not alone
Sad for the staff, and also sad for Aberdeen... there is literally no reason to go into the town centre there is practically nothing there worth going for. Looks like I'll be doing my annual Christmas trip with my mum in Dundee this year
(I used to use the town centre regularly, not just at Christmas, just to be clear!)
(I used to use the town centre regularly, not just at Christmas, just to be clear!)
Yes, I live in Aberdeen also. It's quite worrying what is happening to the city centre. No Debenhams, John Lewis, Molton Brown any more. I read that Debenhams is being replaced by another Poundland! :-(
Lock downs deliver, it will keep giving through out this year and for those who do not understand as each business closes it ripples out into other sectors, so you job may well be next.
this is badly written. The only Cambridgeshire store to close is Peterborough.
Just another victim of today's click and collect culture.
Sadly, the day of the department store is now behind us and folks habits have changed from in store browsing to online selection.
Sadly, the day of the department store is now behind us and folks habits have changed from in store browsing to online selection.
Err ?
Waitrose (John Lewis)
Made more profits than the whole of M&S Nevermind it's foodhall
Waitrose (John Lewis)
Made more profits than the whole of M&S Nevermind it's foodhall
Quite agree. The basement of the Oxford Street store is a huge Waitrose, complete with wine-tasting bar. They need to replicate it in the JL stores across the country, in addition to adding the JL section in all the Waitrose stores.
I think both companies will survive, although JL is better placed than M&S due to concerns about their locations, their expensive Ocado deal, their poor clothing offering & expensive food. However, both need to adapt to the modern age. For JL, their new business model of online & smaller home stores in key prime locations or inside large Waitrose stores is the right one going forward.
I have used John Lewis in lockdown the same amount of times I did prior to lockdown. We need to take this opportunity to adjust to our new shopping behaviours. With that the tax system need to adjust to it too. No point taxing bricks and mortar and not taxing internet shopping.
Yes, and all those that died were being drama queens I suppose?
Shame on you! How do you think Corbyn would have handled an unprecedented pandemic? He presided over the left's fourth general election defeat in a row. That says it all.
Along with the general public who complain that the high street is fast disappearing and online retailers such as Amazon do not pay their "fair share of tax" but do not support the high street and line the pockets of Amazon by continually using. Actions rather than words will help the high street players, so use them or use them
to quote from the article:
"the eight shops were "financially challenged prior to the pandemic". "
But hey, you blame Boris!
"the eight shops were "financially challenged prior to the pandemic". "
But hey, you blame Boris!
Are you stupid??
Removed
You need a particular kind of reasoning to use the overreacting argument to Covid19 plus a callous disregard for the lives of others.
lol.
What would you rather the Government does? You don’t elaborate your criticism, please elucidate.
I'm surprised why you got marked down so much for something which is 100% Boris' fault. Go-on BBC, delete yet another comment of mine, can't you handle the truth?
No their service has been going downhill for years. This is not caused by COVID.
How exactly, it was struggling before Boris was even PM, let alone during lockdown?
The high street was dying anyway. Go find something else to blame Boris for.
Tell that to stressed nurses in NHS
And just what death toll would you have accepted as a fair reaction?
You cant blame the government for people's preference for shopping online. This was coming long before the pandemic and will only vet worse.
John Lewis becomes another casualty of the government's failure to address and properly tax the rise of online shopping. Amazon pays a tiny fraction of taxes in this country, compared with similar turnover from UK based retail, the population keep purchasing disposable stuff they don't need, delivered next day. Covid isn't the underlying problem here, even if it is what pushed it over the edge.
Did you miss the big in the article which stated that the shops they were closing had been losing money before the pandemic struck?
I’ve heard of “ selective deafness”, but now we have “ selective eyesight”!
I’ve heard of “ selective deafness”, but now we have “ selective eyesight”!
Codswallop. The High St was failing long before Covid.
Shoppers don't want to traipse around busy & stuffy shops, hunt for parking spaces, use the park & ride then queue for buses. It's easier to shop online.
Sad but true.
Shoppers don't want to traipse around busy & stuffy shops, hunt for parking spaces, use the park & ride then queue for buses. It's easier to shop online.
Sad but true.
I'll quite happily bash Boris as I have little time for him and just about everything he touches turns sour, but in fairness the article starts with a comment from John Lewis that the stores to close were "financially challenged prior to the pandemic".
The writing was on the wall already, the pandemic just underlined that.
Still, won't be long before Boris offers up a real bashing opp
The writing was on the wall already, the pandemic just underlined that.
Still, won't be long before Boris offers up a real bashing opp
what part of 'these stores were in financial difficulty before covid' do you not understand?
You need to grow up and take note of the situation today!! so it's all Boris's fault is it he started this awful pandemic did he !!!!!!!!! and he over reacted in what way may I ask should we have been allowed to go shopping, drinking etc in a mob passing Covid on to all and sundry I wonder what your age is ?
John Lewis cannot be allowed to close! It's the only island of sanity remaining in shopping centres. The rest impose 'canned music' on their customers, wrongly assuming it will trick them into buying more! The opposite happens and that is why other department stores have lost their customers. The louder the music the lower the sales!
No, it's the music. For me it is as effective as a force field. Nothing drives me away more than pop music! I suppose it might trick the lower end of the spectrum.
Perhaps because they are not trading on a level playing field? How can you blame owners of physical premises for not being able to price match online retailers, when the former are paying high rents for High Street premises? Let alone the cost of heating shops, training knowledgeable staff etc.
And why do you think those online retailers have such low prices?
Very low business rates (in real terms next to nothing), offshoring revenue and profits. How about allowing goods to be sold in their "market place" with no VAT because they are essentially Chinese imports? That is an instant 20% advantage.
Very low business rates (in real terms next to nothing), offshoring revenue and profits. How about allowing goods to be sold in their "market place" with no VAT because they are essentially Chinese imports? That is an instant 20% advantage.
If Amazon paid corporation tax, it would be a game changer. Country by country tax reporting is needed more than ever.
Global corporations need to foot the bill of covid and governments need to ensure they do it. If they don't, eventually no one will have money to spend..
Global corporations need to foot the bill of covid and governments need to ensure they do it. If they don't, eventually no one will have money to spend..
Amazon does pay corporation tax. Why not find out the facts instead of bleating the same untruths?
It's tax bill is very low because it abides by the rules which allow it to be very low.
Blame the game, not the player.
It's tax bill is very low because it abides by the rules which allow it to be very low.
Blame the game, not the player.
Pipe dream I'm affraid.
Matt Hancock gave Amazon full access to our NHS data in December 2019.
Any Idea how much this is worth to a company like Amazon?
Why give this to a company that doesnt pay much tax here? for free too?
It could have been sold and money spent on us?
I doubt amazon paid nothing, but "officially" they did.
Matt Hancock gave Amazon full access to our NHS data in December 2019.
Any Idea how much this is worth to a company like Amazon?
Why give this to a company that doesnt pay much tax here? for free too?
It could have been sold and money spent on us?
I doubt amazon paid nothing, but "officially" they did.
Please explain your assertion that global corporations need to foot the bill for the pandemic. Why? Did they cause it? Or is it just "unfair" that their business model allowed them to increase revenues over the last year?
You may also wish to look up under whose tax laws Amazon, Starbucks et al are allowed to pay, what I agree is, minimal tax in the UK. Clue - it isn't UK legislation.
You may also wish to look up under whose tax laws Amazon, Starbucks et al are allowed to pay, what I agree is, minimal tax in the UK. Clue - it isn't UK legislation.
China needs to be held responsible for the world wide spread of Covid which quite evidently originated in Wuhan. Why should global corporations finance one country’s failings? Your logic is flawed
Not sure why global corporations need to foot the bill resulting from Covid? they didn't cause the outbreak and spread of the virus.
The real people who need to recompence the world are the Chinese!
The real people who need to recompence the world are the Chinese!
So Amazon should pay more tax than they are legally obliged to, should they?
Presumably -you- would be happy to give Bojo and his cronies a few extra beer tokens to help out, would you?
Presumably -you- would be happy to give Bojo and his cronies a few extra beer tokens to help out, would you?
Global corporations need to foot the bill of covid???
Why? Did they cause it?
What nonsense being spouted on here.
Why? Did they cause it?
What nonsense being spouted on here.
Why, John Lewis sells a lot of items online, indeed 50% of its business is online as that is what customers want now. John Lewis wasn’t in most towns anyway so it’s physical stores are irrelevant to a lot of shoppers.
Of course Amazon pays Corporation Tax. But by clever manipulation of the worlds' tax laws and moving money around they pay tax at approx 3% if you compare it to the UK income tax. How would you like Income Tax at 3%.
But we only have ourselves to blame as we continue to want to pay nothing for everything. Government must take full responsibility to allow our High Streets to continue to fail.
But we only have ourselves to blame as we continue to want to pay nothing for everything. Government must take full responsibility to allow our High Streets to continue to fail.
This is so sad. The company under its current CEO have become a nightmare to deal with, and have gone down the toilet. I speak to the staff and they know what customers want, but the CEO seems not to listen. This is death by a 1000 cuts.
However, this is what happens when you put someone in charge without any retail experience.
However, this is what happens when you put someone in charge without any retail experience.
Are JL going to payback the furlough money they have been claiming then?
That’s the eb
“ Department stores in Aberdeen, in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire and in Sheffield and York in Yorkshire, are also closing “
Who at the BBC decided this was good enough English ?
Who at the BBC decided this was good enough English ?
You can complain directly to the BBC instead of bleating in here about it.
Did you have any comment on the article?
Did you have any comment on the article?
to be fair, your phrase 'good enough English' is also less than perfect
Yesterday they used ‘peal’ as opposed to ‘peel’ in an article. I’m still in recovery mode??
The BBC Charter is to Entertain, Educate and Inform.
If the BBC were to ‘Educate’ there would be no need for these comments.
If the BBC were to ‘Educate’ there would be no need for these comments.
Please explain what is wrong with this sentence?
Your comment isn't a great example either.
Your comment isn't a great example either.
You're actually being racist by language shaming the (black) BBC writer. Just an observation, check your privilege before making these remarks please.
Removed
Or bothered to find out that Peterborough isn’t part of Cambridgeshire.
Given they are all arts graduates you might expect them to know their language. But i daresay they qualify to work for the BBC from a range of other important aspects.
Some businesses such as John Lewis/ Waitrose only help to build more divided society , feeding people's ego and class obsessed society which exists in UK. Without JLWaitrose UK would become fairer, more equal , more like a Scandinavian class-less society of opportunities to all. But it won't change till the government is pro greed and capitalism. Think of it when voting next time.
JL was flagship store for many shopping centres: we hoped they would lead the redevelopment in Croydon. No, the Croydon site has been dropped by JL and by Westfield, and JL At Home won't reopen here, either. Too much space, too high rental, shopping centres too expensive to be profitable. Sooner centre owners realise this the better.
this is badly written. The only Cambridgeshire store to close is Peterborough.
If Amazon paid corporation tax, it would be a game changer. Country by country tax reporting is needed more than ever.
Global corporations need to foot the bill of covid and governments need to ensure they do it. If they don't, eventually no one will have money to spend..
Global corporations need to foot the bill of covid and governments need to ensure they do it. If they don't, eventually no one will have money to spend..
Yes they do pay tax according to the rules and that's one reason that many of us will pay more tax to the government to compensate for this. If only individuals could set up shell companies, pay them overinflated fees for services in order to move income around the world and pay lower tax than they otherwise would have in the country that income was derived from. (Apparently you can if your rich)
It’s a game. It’s real life and peoples lives. It’s a putty you can’t understand that.
But it's much easier to blame a company for following the law, than actually asking difficult questions like that...
To be cruel but honest: not enough people were using these shops pre-COVID, they've all been struggling for years. Repurpose the town centres into public places, parks and so on, and face reality. We could do with some accessible, safe, green spaces more than retail.
To be cruel but honest: not enough people were using these shops pre-COVID, they've all been struggling for years. Repurpose the town centres into public places, parks and so on, and face reality. We could do with some accessible, safe, green spaces more than retail.
The point with all these internet retailers that they pretend they are trading from Luxemburg, Ireland or Holland to dodge tax. Bricks and mortar retailers don't do that.
Spot on, blame the HMRC and not companies sticking to the rules. What numpty would pay tax if they don't have to?
There’s always Amazon ??
Until they kill the charges for parking, shopping will die. We don’t all want to sit on a bus that stops every 500 yards for 15 miles?
Aww baba!
All of the people who have migrated to online shopping will regret it when there are no shops where you can buy anything anymore. I buy nothing online. Nothing.....Just wait until there is nowhere you can buy from, bank with, go to the hospital at or see a dentist unless it's got the Amazon logo on it........... It'll be your own fault.
I don't buy anything on-line either - all adds to our becoming isolated from others and therefore less tolerant and wanting everything to be available in the right price, size, colour etc., right now.
There are products that are unavailable in shops because they can't carry the range and often if they do it's more expensive.
I'm fed up with scrabbling through hardware in B&Q and Wickes which are mixed up and been opened. It's much easier online
I'm fed up with scrabbling through hardware in B&Q and Wickes which are mixed up and been opened. It's much easier online
I remember all the lovely department stores of my childhood in Knightsbridge and Oxford St. Even Gamages in Holborn and Whiteleys in Bayswater. Those were the days. Such quality products. They all went the way of the British Empire.
My comment on the article is get your facts straight BBC - Cambridge store is NOT closing & will remain open.
Removed
Your English is just as bad, did tou write the article?
no point in complaining to the bbc, they simply just ignore it.
Have you tried complaining Ng to the BBC? It has no effect on them. If it is very important they give you some waffle. They never actually fix their problems, whether that is bias, inaccurate or factually wrong reports or for taking bribes. For example the BBC claimed the iPhone was the first smartphone and then promoted it shamelessly.The iPhone was not the first smartphone by over 10 years
Blame the Government. How can you run a shop when you can be shut down, for months at a time, at a moments notice, but still have to pay many of your costs? Even when the Government allows you to open you have to limit the number of customers allowed in. And see on-line rivals continue to be able to sell whatever they want.
" And see on-line rivals continue to be able to sell whatever they want."
Of course. That is what the word "competition" means. Competition is good for business and for the consumer - Maggie told us all that, interminably - so don't complain when the result of competition is not what you personally think it should be. Nothing stopping JL selling whatever it wants on-line, was there?
Of course. That is what the word "competition" means. Competition is good for business and for the consumer - Maggie told us all that, interminably - so don't complain when the result of competition is not what you personally think it should be. Nothing stopping JL selling whatever it wants on-line, was there?
Such sad news, the draconian measures of keeping shops closed for so long will prove to be the final straw for many shops. Sad day for Aberdeen and all the rest affected by this news.
While I have sympathy with your point, the lock downs have only accelerated the demise of poor business models in an ever changing consumer driven world.
I like JL, I like shopping in JL, but then I'm not 'price sensitive' when I do shop. I buy quality, just less often.
The 'Primark world' may survive, fueled by our disposable buying habits, but otherwise, online is the future.
I like JL, I like shopping in JL, but then I'm not 'price sensitive' when I do shop. I buy quality, just less often.
The 'Primark world' may survive, fueled by our disposable buying habits, but otherwise, online is the future.
Hello
yes indeed , so right,
yes indeed , so right,
"I like JL, I like shopping in JL, but then I'm not 'price sensitive' when I do shop. I buy quality, just less often."
How is the same product available cheaper elsewhere show "quality" (I'm assuming you mean higher quality)
How is the same product available cheaper elsewhere show "quality" (I'm assuming you mean higher quality)
I think you are right but I really hope you are wrong. I think the JL business model is the way forward - employees are owners and have a stake in the company's success. Their customer service is excellent, their staff seem happy and motivated and they are always helpful. I feel sorry for them and as someone who regularly uses the Aberdeen store, I hope thy change their mind. I'll miss it.
Some businesses such as John Lewis/ Waitrose only help to build more divided society , feeding people's ego and class obsessed society which exists in UK. Without JLWaitrose UK would become fairer, more equal , more like a Scandinavian class-less society of opportunities to all. But it won't change till the government is pro greed and capitalism. Think of it when voting next time.
John Lewis and you, both casualties of lock-down ,though in your case lock-down would appear to have exacerbated an existing condition - Socialism. No cure except a Socialist Government, though that also can have catastrophic effects, a final detachment from reality. Symptoms being a declaration that there has NEVER EVER been a socialist Government, once the drawbacks of them become obvious.
Sad for the staff, and also sad for Aberdeen... there is literally no reason to go into the town centre there is practically nothing there worth going for. Looks like I'll be doing my annual Christmas trip with my mum in Dundee this year
(I used to use the town centre regularly, not just at Christmas, just to be clear!)
(I used to use the town centre regularly, not just at Christmas, just to be clear!)
Whilst its sad that these bigger stores are closing, its the business that smaller retailers get off the back of John Lewis stores like pubs, restaurants and coffee shops. Especially city centres where more people spend longer shopping will always look for somewhere else to have a real and a sit down before they continue shopping.
Birmingham & Sheffield 2 of the largest cities in the UK, losing money really? or high business rates from the local councils?
Business rates are set by Central government, not greedy local Councils. The latter set all the other excessive charges, such as for parking, Council tax, etc., etc. but business rates is one that isn't down to them.
Government sets Business Rates. Local councils have services they must provide and Government has cut all grants to less well off areas over the last 10 years, so there's no RSG. Councils raise council tax, car parks etc., or services will not happen. Think social care, etc., and ignore tabloid obsession with the odd silly sounding job name
If Amazon paid corporation tax, it would be a game changer. Country by country tax reporting is needed more than ever.
Global corporations need to foot the bill of covid and governments need to ensure they do it. If they don't, eventually no one will have money to spend..
Global corporations need to foot the bill of covid and governments need to ensure they do it. If they don't, eventually no one will have money to spend..
Pipe dream I'm affraid.
Matt Hancock gave Amazon full access to our NHS data in December 2019.
Any Idea how much this is worth to a company like Amazon?
Why give this to a company that doesnt pay much tax here? for free too?
It could have been sold and money spent on us?
I doubt amazon paid nothing, but "officially" they did.
Matt Hancock gave Amazon full access to our NHS data in December 2019.
Any Idea how much this is worth to a company like Amazon?
Why give this to a company that doesnt pay much tax here? for free too?
It could have been sold and money spent on us?
I doubt amazon paid nothing, but "officially" they did.
They weren't in a position to make the decision earlier, since no-one could foresee the consequence of COVID. If they had closed them sooner ALL of the people would have become unemployed and would have used money from the public purse in one form or other. Taking the Furlough money might only have delayed the inevitable, but it saved many people from hardship.
Dame SW - she has the biggest brains in the company! blame the fact that as consultant 10 years ago we told them that their online business was bigger than the oxford street branch sales, and they continued opening stores. This isn't just covid. This is the blue rinse brigade.
And Woke matters how?
Twaddle.
The hard rght obsessives. No HYS they can't twist.
The hard rght obsessives. No HYS they can't twist.
Cheers for the casual bandying of the word 'woke', it serves as a convenient flag telling us the following:
A) that you don't really know what it means
B) that you're a sociopath who believes care for the wellbeing of others is 'weak'
C) all of the above.
I'm guessing you're 'C', but don't worry, I'm sure there's a sale of 'Atlas Shrugged' on somewhere.. Removed
A) that you don't really know what it means
B) that you're a sociopath who believes care for the wellbeing of others is 'weak'
C) all of the above.
I'm guessing you're 'C', but don't worry, I'm sure there's a sale of 'Atlas Shrugged' on somewhere.. Removed
A year ago you hadn't even heard of the term "woke" but now you use it to mean "something that isn't from my own narrow corridor of existence".
All White good repairs are carried out by the manufacturers.
The rest hasn’t got anything to do with it. On Line and the retail High Street sector have the same issues.
The rest hasn’t got anything to do with it. On Line and the retail High Street sector have the same issues.
haha, Deltic get a grip - you clearly haven't had your bigoted views challenged for a while.
Genuine question: Why do you write the word "woke" in caps? I've seen a few people do this and I don't understand why.
Again, this isn't a dig at your comment, I'm just interested.
Again, this isn't a dig at your comment, I'm just interested.
Agreed. No experience in retail or in leading business diversification with all the risks that this holds. And no shareholders to be accountable too, with partners that could be made redundant. On there online platform so many products are out of stock, with lost sales - not good for any retailer. I would not invest in this business.
Outsourcing is why I stopped using them. I had a series of problems which JL were slow to fix. One of their support staff was rude to me on the phone. So I resolved never to use them again and wrote to SW. If service is rubbish then JL are no better than any other retailer who sells cheaper than them. The following week I spent almost £3k on tech elsewhere. JL are doomed.
No Aberdeenshire is the surrounding area
No Aberdeen city is not within Aberdeenshire. These are 2 different council areas. Aberdeenshire surrounds Aberdeen city.
No, it's in "Scotland" as is everywhere else North of the border.
Devastated for Sheffield. It’s the only shop worth going to in the city centre.
isn't it the only shop left in the city centre?!! (apart from primary and the ilk)
Who would have guessed that family-owned Atkinsons would out-survive all the other department stores?
Maybe they should change their name to Cole Brothers and relocate to Barkers Pool!
Maybe they should change their name to Cole Brothers and relocate to Barkers Pool!
My wife is devastated for York. It's the only shop worth going to on the outer ring road.
Blame the council for pushing shoppers away. They were lucky JL stayed as long as they did. Sheffield is a horrible place to shop, the grimness of the Moor and the cost of parking don't help, also the dodgy characters that hang around the bottom of Haymarket...
Not surprised about Ashford as it was literally on it’s own with no other shops nearby. Feel sorry for the staff.
Very sad, we've had an account with them for the fifty years of our married life. Almost everything in our house is from JL including curtains, carpets, wallpaper and paint. They have reupholstered sofas and armchairs several times. Thankfully our local is staying (for now) I guess as they have owned the entire building for years. I agree things are not what they were, but what is?
Why is Cambridgeshire mentioned but then on the cambs news website it states that it will remain open?
https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/john-lewis-closures-cambridge-store-20244208
https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cambridge-news/john-lewis-closures-cambridge-store-20244208
why would the BBC know? Is there more than one store in the area?
Cambridgeshire includes Peterborough
JL have struggled with online service over the years and relied heavily on their expensive stores. Are the days of the department store numbered? Almost certainly. Debenhams, House of Fraser all going down the pan.
The online superstores are blossoming driven by us, the consumer.
I think the big Malls still have a future, the 'shopping experience', but outside of that there will be more closures
The online superstores are blossoming driven by us, the consumer.
I think the big Malls still have a future, the 'shopping experience', but outside of that there will be more closures
Oh dear. I'm pointing out that online is the future and poor business plans have led to closures, and you shoehorn an EU comment in?
Your bitterness really isn't healthy.
Your bitterness really isn't healthy.
Just far too expensive thats all!
A friend of mine is a John Lewis "Partner".
Seems a great company to work for - but their ridiculously generous perks must be the reason they are going bust.
For example if a high paid role get abolished, they can take any other role and get the same salary for 3 years, so senior manager can be a delivery driver on 100k.
So right now, of those 1400 jobs cut, they wont be actually saving money
Seems a great company to work for - but their ridiculously generous perks must be the reason they are going bust.
For example if a high paid role get abolished, they can take any other role and get the same salary for 3 years, so senior manager can be a delivery driver on 100k.
So right now, of those 1400 jobs cut, they wont be actually saving money
Some businesses such as John Lewis/ Waitrose only help to build more divided society , feeding people's ego and class obsessed society which exists in UK. Without JLWaitrose UK would become fairer, more equal , more like a Scandinavian class-less society of opportunities to all. But it won't change till the government is pro greed and capitalism. Think of it when voting next time.
I think that by the end of the decade, department stores as we know them will largely be a thing of the past. You might get the odd one with local heritage like Jarrold in Norwich or Harvey Nichols in Leeds and such that survives but that's probably it. Even then, they'll have to adapt to internet orders. That's just the way it is and will be from now on I reckon.
" local councils would have to stop hating cars"
No chance. Didn't you know, we are all being "encouraged" to walk and cycle. In other news, gas lighting is about to be installed and pubs must have stables and employ an ostler or two. Mail will in future travel by horse-drawn carriages.
No chance. Didn't you know, we are all being "encouraged" to walk and cycle. In other news, gas lighting is about to be installed and pubs must have stables and employ an ostler or two. Mail will in future travel by horse-drawn carriages.
I used to live in Norfolk when I was younger and to get to Norwich without using a car, you had to get a bus from the village (20-30 minutes to Norwich) that went once an hour and you had to be finished by 6pm latest or get a taxi back. Even 10-15 years ago, Amazon and online shopping seemed so much easier as alternatives.
You’re so right about this, at times I’ve shopped online and delivered to store (avoiding postage) because going to the store could be a wasted trip if the right size isn’t there. Give me free postage and I won’t even do that. I don’t know if that says more about stock levels or that my spare time became increasingly scarce.
You can buy a broader range of John Lewis goods on line and have them delivered to your door. Sadly the days of large department stores where you can browse and touch the product are numbered. It makes no economic sense to staff and maintain expensive real estate to cater for customers who may look but likely ultimately buy on-line anyway
Paul that's the trouble. Look at it - then buy elsewhere. Online as you say. The government wont tax online selling, so online is cheaper.
I can't believe it's going from Sheffield (the old Coles Bros.).
If major locations such as Sheffield are closing then John Lewis must be in serious trouble.
John Lewis (formerly Cole Brothers in Sheffield which opened in 1847) is the biggest store in Sheffield and is one of the reasons why people choose to go into Sheffield city centre.
A very sad day.
John Lewis (formerly Cole Brothers in Sheffield which opened in 1847) is the biggest store in Sheffield and is one of the reasons why people choose to go into Sheffield city centre.
A very sad day.
While I have sympathy with your point, the lock downs have only accelerated the demise of poor business models in an ever changing consumer driven world.
I like JL, I like shopping in JL, but then I'm not 'price sensitive' when I do shop. I buy quality, just less often.
The 'Primark world' may survive, fueled by our disposable buying habits, but otherwise, online is the future.
I like JL, I like shopping in JL, but then I'm not 'price sensitive' when I do shop. I buy quality, just less often.
The 'Primark world' may survive, fueled by our disposable buying habits, but otherwise, online is the future.
So much for companies accepting furlough payments for staff, that was supposed to be paid so you don't lay staff off, you'd best pat that back "Mr Lewis"
Pat whose back ?
There will be nothing left of our high streets. Soon no alternative but amazon.
My thoughts are with employees whose livelihood is at risk.
My thoughts are with employees whose livelihood is at risk.
More human employees touch your online purchase than your physical one. You just can't see them.
The irony of Amazon's business plan to rid the high street of competitors using, amongst other things, carefully negotiated tax breaks and now opening a checkout free bricks and mortar store in the UK isn't lost on me.
Buy from a store on line. Avoid Amazon at all costs. It is destroying other suppliers. If only Amazon stocks it I do without.
Try johnlewis.com. Far, far better than any rival. “Never knowingly undersold”. They mean it.
We should thank our inept politicians (all parties equally at fault here) for driving these companies to ruin
Refering to other comments; it's upto other retailers to get up to speed and deliver a good service, not whine about how unfair the market they've monopolised for years has changed. This has been coming for years. Retailers should have had a plan B. Some have and will survive. Dont blame amazon blame the CEOs who have lazily swallowed profits without thinking of their customers or employees.