John Lewis has today announced it will open a John Lewis at home in Swindon boosting local employment with the creation of around 160 new jobs.
The retailer will invest £7 million in the John Lewis at home shop that will focus exclusively on furniture, furnishing accessories, electrical and home technology. John Lewis plans to open its 59,000 sq ft Swindon shop during the autumn at the Mannington Retail Park.
The new ‘at home’ shop in Swindon follows the successful opening of John Lewis at home in Poole last October. John Lewis at home shop concepts are also scheduled to open in Croydon and Tunbridge Wells later this year.
Andy Street, managing director, John Lewis, said: “We’re excited to be bringing a John Lewis at home shop to the Mannington Retail Park which is a great fit for us in terms of location and catchment. We are taking on the lease of a building that has stood empty for the past few years and we look forward to giving local people a new reason to visit the retail park.”
The new format has been developed in direct response to our customers request for greater convenience and ease of access, particularly those living more than a 40 minute drive time from an existing John Lewis department store.
Head of format development, Tim Harrison commented: “John Lewis at home in Poole has proven that a smaller format works and has been very well received by customers for its convenience and ease. We look forward to providing Swindon shoppers with our exceptional service, inspiring products and great value.”
Computer terminals in the branch will allow shoppers to browse a wider John Lewis assortment including fashion, beauty, nursery, carpets and order for home delivery or next day collection at the shop. The shop will also feature a café.
The shop has been leased from Invista Real Estate, the owner of the Mannington Retail Park.
