John Lewis is accelerating its store investment programme with refurbishments in Glasgow, Cambridge, Leicester, Reading and Liverpool, as demand grows for destination retail, services and hospitality-led experiences.
John Lewis is investing £50m this year across five stores as part of a long-term programme to transform and elevate all 36 stores across its estate into retail destinations.
The latest phase will see investment in Glasgow, Cambridge, Leicester, Reading and Liverpool. John Lewis will invest more than £20m in Glasgow for a full redevelopment, making it the largest single-store investment made by the brand in recent years.
The refurbishments are expected to introduce new brands, elevated products and experiences, and store environments designed around changing customer expectations. The work forms part of the wider John Lewis Partnership £800m brand transformation, with every store set to receive investment over time.
The retailer said the programme reflects growing demand for inspiration, Partner expertise and a seamless cross-channel experience. As shopping habits continue to evolve, customers are moving between online and physical retail, while still seeking services that stores can provide, including tailored advice, personal styling and the chance to experience products first-hand.
John Lewis said customers are also using stores differently. Last year, the retailer hosted a record number of appointments across services including personal styling and nursery advice. Hospitality now accounts for more than one in five store transactions, reflecting demand for stores that combine shopping, services and hospitality within a single visit.
The retailer said refurbished stores have consistently achieved sales growth following investment, alongside improvements in customer satisfaction. The programme follows record customer satisfaction scores for John Lewis, its ranking as the UK’s number one retailer in the UK Customer Satisfaction Index and its recent Which? Retailer of the Year win.
The Glasgow redevelopment will see every floor of the 28,000 sq m store upgraded across fashion, beauty, home and technology. The store, located at Buchanan Galleries, will remain open throughout the refurbishment, with the phased transformation running through to spring 2027.
Alongside Glasgow, multi-million-pound investments will be made in John Lewis stores in Cambridge, Leicester and Reading. The Liverpool store will receive further enhancements following investment last year.
The investment sits alongside the transformation of John Lewis’s hospitality offer, with its new Platter John Lewis concept being rolled out across 32 cafés and restaurants by the end of 2027.
“Whether customers shop with us online, in our shops or across both, they expect the same trusted advice, service and experience. “We’re continuing to invest across our estate so our shops reflect the things customers value most about John Lewis – expert guidance, inspiring products and the confidence to make the right choice. These investments are about more than just a fresh look; they are about creating places where customers love to spend their time.” “The response from customers to the improvements we’ve already made gives us confidence to continue investing for the long term.”
Peter Ruis, Managing Director of John Lewis
“This investment, and particularly the commitment to the Glasgow branch, is a strong vote of confidence in our high streets and the future of the UK retail sector. “Together with Government support through its Small Business Plan and upcoming High Streets Strategy, it will help high streets thrive, create jobs and drive growth in communities across the UK.”
Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation
“This major refurbishment plan is exciting news for John Lewis customers as well as being a welcome statement of intent that will support and enhance Glasgow city centre’s reputation as a shopping destination. “I look forward to this being a catalyst to help drive further footfall and investment across the city centre and the Scottish Government will continue to work closely with local retailers and other businesses to help drive further investment and innovation across the city centre.”
Tom Arthur, Minister for Business and Fair Work
The phased investment programme will continue across the wider John Lewis store estate over time.
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