“The Experience Desk is becoming an ever more important part of our stores,” says John Lewis & Partners buyer Matt Thomas. Talking to HousewaresNews.net, Matt confirms that demand is increasing for the department store’s personal shopping experience – “whether it’s fashion or home” –and this provides “another reason for customers to come into stores.”
Trained partners are helping customers make home design decisions, with space-saving and home organisation rising on domestic agendas. The “organising element” is particularly significant given the number of new builds that “are typically getting smaller,” observes Matt. Hence the need for considered use of space, influencing choices in kitchen and utility storage.
Matt reports: “People are asking, “How can I use my space more effectively?” – in relation to food storage and other storage around the house.”
He acknowledges that innovations that save space are welcomed by consumers, and notes the example of the Excellence in Homewares finalist, Addis’ Fold Flat Basked (a collapsible laundry basket that can fit in the space between a worktop and washing machine).
Top: Some of the kitchen storage solutions featured on John Lewis & Partners’ website.
