The new John Lewis at home store in Swindon has opened its doors for the first time to give a behind-the-scenes tour and offer a first glimpse at what it has to offer when it opens in the autumn.
The store will focus on John Lewis’s key markets such as furniture, homewares, furnishing accessories and electricals.
The new development at the existing Mannington Road site represents a £7m investment and 39,000 sq ft of retail space, spread across two floors.
Dominic Joyce, the John Lewis at home Swindon branch manager, said: “The store will help John Lewis to gain market strength in Swindon.”
Having already opened a new store in Croydon last week, the company wishes to develop further towards its plan of opening a John Lewis store accessible within an hour of any point in the UK.
Over 180 jobs have been created by the new development with some jobs still available via www.jlpjobs.com.
Mr Joyce added: “We have had a fantastic response to our recent recruitment campaign, with over 1,200 applicants received. My new management team starts its intensive two-month training programme next week which I am really looking forward to. The schedule includes hands-on training at John Lewis at home Poole and will focus on team-building and leadership skills.
“The shop is on track for an autumn opening and the new partners and I can’t wait to welcome customers through the doors.”
