In a statement to its partners, John Lewis & Partners has said it is “highly unlikely” that the retailer will reopen all of its stores. Its decisions are due to be shared with partners in the middle of July. In the meantime the chain is continuing with its cautious re-opening programme.
Nine more department stores (including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Cardiff) will re-open on July 13, followed by Oxford Street on July 16, bringing the total number of re-openings to 32.
Bérangère Michel, executive director for Customer Service at the John Lewis Partnership said; “We continue to stick to our safe, not fast approach. We are learning as we go and tweaking our approach to give our customers and partners the best possible experience. “
The retailer’s safety measures include caps on customer numbers entering stores, reduction in the number of shop entrances and exits and limits on users of escalators and lifts.
* Meanwhile, Harrods has announced that it will be cutting up to 700 jobs across the department store, citing the loss of “key customers’ due to the freeze in international travel.
Top: John Lewis Oxford Street is re-opening on July 16.
