Key facts
- John Lewis plans to close its in-store foreign exchange and gift wrapping services.
- Approximately 200 jobs are at risk due to the proposed closures.
- The company has initiated a consultation process with affected employees.
- Foreign exchange services are offered in 30 stores, and gift wrapping in 25 stores.
- The closures are planned for the autumn.
John Lewis is set to close its in-store foreign exchange and gift wrapping services, a move that places approximately 200 jobs at risk. The company has begun a consultation process with affected employees regarding the proposed redundancies.
The closures, slated for this autumn, will impact foreign exchange desks in 30 stores and gift wrapping services in 25 stores. John Lewis stated that customers are increasingly opting for online currency purchases with home delivery or in-store collection, prompting the review of its in-store foreign exchange bureaux. Similarly, the gift wrapping service is being phased out.
A spokesperson for John Lewis emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and that the company would support impacted staff throughout the consultation, exploring redeployment opportunities where possible. The areas currently housing these services are expected to be repurposed.
This announcement follows a period of cost-cutting measures by the John Lewis Partnership, which also runs Waitrose. Last year, the group reduced its workforce by 3,300 roles. In March, the company paid its first annual bonus in four years, equivalent to 2% of salary, following a 6% rise in underlying profits.