LONDON — British retail giant John Lewis is getting a facelift.
The business said it is investing 800 million pounds into remaking its selling floors, starting with the beauty halls at its flagship unit on Oxford Street, as well as stores in High Wycombe and Cheadle.
The retailer witnessed a 7 percent increase in beauty sales in the first half compared to last year.
The new look includes new sleek counters with a marble effect and bright lights.
Peter Ruis, executive director at John Lewis.
John Lewis today has 41 beauty counters — a 24 percent increase from last year. The retailer now offers 175 beauty brands, an increase of 15 percent.
“The buzz is back in John Lewis and we’re giving our customers even more reasons to shop in our brilliant stores. We’re backing ourselves with significant investment to ensure customers get the exceptional quality, outstanding service and competitive prices they love about our unique brand,” said Peter Ruis, executive director at John Lewis.
The retailer is also focusing on other categories of the business such as home, tech, jewelry, large electronics and more.
John Lewis & Partners London store.
Manuel Valcarce/WWD
The Oxford Street store will become a hub for British chef Jamie Oliver’s Cookery School and Café in spring 2025. British book retailer Waterstones just opened in the flagship.
“John Lewis’ continued investment in Oxford Street and the West End shows that London is a leading location for beauty and fashion retail,” said Howard Dawber, deputy mayor for business and growth at London City Hall.
He added that the new openings will bring “an exciting new element to the John Lewis Oxford Street flagship store, improving the shopping and leisure experience for Londoners and tourists alike. This is exactly the kind of investment we like to see as we start the project of regenerating Oxford Street and continue building a better and more prosperous London for everyone.”
