Hundreds of jobs at risk as John Lewis announces closure of in-store services
News Source
β’Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:48:00 GMT
π° What Happened
John Lewis plans to close gift wrapping and foreign exchange desks in dozens of its stores. The move puts 200 jobs at risk. The 36-store chain has started a consultation on redundancies. Gift wrapping will end in 25 stores and currency exchange in 30 stores. If confirmed, the closures will happen this autumn. One staff member said the company is removing the services John Lewis is known for.
π The Backstory
John Lewis has been a British retail icon for over a century. It is known for excellent customer service and was recently ranked second in the UK Customer Satisfaction Index. But the retail industry has struggled with online competition and rising costs. Many traditional services are being cut as stores try to save money. Staff say shop floor workers are already overworked and the changes will make things worse. John Lewis says its customer satisfaction scores remain strong.
π― Why It Matters
The loss of gift wrapping and currency exchange makes shopping less special. It also means fewer jobs on the high street as stores cut costs.
John Lewis plans to close gift wrapping and foreign exchange desks in dozens of its stores. The move puts 200 jobs at risk. The 36-store chain has started a consultation on redundancies. Gift wrapping will end in 25 stores and currency exchange in 30 stores. If confirmed, the closures will happen this autumn. One staff member said the company is removing the services John Lewis is known for.
John Lewis has been a British retail icon for over a century. It is known for excellent customer service and was recently ranked second in the UK Customer Satisfaction Index. But the retail industry has struggled with online competition and rising costs. Many traditional services are being cut as stores try to save money. Staff say shop floor workers are already overworked and the changes will make things worse. John Lewis says its customer satisfaction scores remain strong.
The loss of gift wrapping and currency exchange makes shopping less special. It also means fewer jobs on the high street as stores cut costs.