John Lewis to reveal impact of store closures that cost 1,300 jobs

The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) is to reveal the full impact of the mass closure of its department stores when it delivers a trading update.
Bosses at John Lewis are to publishing a trading update. Pictures: Getty ImagesBosses at John Lewis are to publishing a trading update. Pictures: Getty Images
Bosses at John Lewis are to publishing a trading update. Pictures: Getty Images

Chair Dame Sharon White, who took over at the retail giant’s helm in February, will announce its trading performance on Thursday September 17.

The retail group’s new leadership team will reveal how the coronavirus pandemic weighed on its finances for the six months to July 25.

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It is expected to show a significant impact on sales in its John Lewis store business after its sites were forced to shut their doors in March.

Library image of the John Lewis store in LondonLibrary image of the John Lewis store in London
Library image of the John Lewis store in London

The group announced in July that eight of its stores will not reopen, with the loss of around 1,300 jobs, including its landmark department store in Birmingham’s Grand Central.

The move was criticised by regional mayor Andy Street, who was managing director of the retailer until 2016. He said the business “failed to make the most” of the site.

In-store sales are expected to be significantly lower than the previous year, with analysts also predicting a steady recovery as footfall remains significantly below prior levels.

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Dame Sharon told staff in a letter in July that the group will continue to “re-balance” its store portfolio as part of the strategic review which is currently taking place.

She stressed that the company will also continue to focus on digital opportunities, with partners likely to hope that any in-store revenue slump has been largely offset by gains in its online business during the lockdown.

Retail analyst Nelson Blackley said: “Although her update letter to partners about progress on this review provided quite a lot of detail around the future direction of the group, the significant increase in the share of their business they believe will move online means it is possible there may be some further department store closures as they continue to ‘right size’ their store estate.”

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