John Lewis has announced plans to open an at home shop in Worcester in 2017. The shop will be located in between junctions six and seven of the M5 on a new retail scheme. The site at Newtown Road is being developed by Land Securities plc.
John Lewis says it will invest £7m in the shop and will create more than 100 new jobs, boosting local employment. The John Lewis at home will be a new build, extending over two floors with the ground and first floor selling areas totalling 40,000 sqft. The plans also include a customer cafe.
The John Lewis at home format focuses on furniture, furnishing accessories, electrical and home technology. To allow customers to access and order a wider John Lewis assortment from johnlewis.com, customer online ordering points will be located throughout the shop and customers will also be able to use the free John Lewis Click and Collect service.
Andy Street, MD, John Lewis, says: "Worcester has long been a sought-after destination for us, and I am delighted that we have now found an opportunity to bring John Lewis to the city. We believe the opening of a John Lewis at home in Worcester will offer customers in the local area a broader, modern, more convenient shopping offer. We look forward to becoming part of the local community and hope to add to the city's growing success."
The John Lewis at home concept successfully launched in Poole in October 2009 and there are now 10 at home shops across the country. The opening of Worcester will follow the opening of a flagship regional department store in Birmingham, demonstrating increased investment from the retailer in the West Midlands area.
Tim Harrison, director, store development, comments: "At John Lewis we are committed to the communities in which we operate. Through the recruitment of over 100 new local partners and our work with local community groups and charities, our aim is to become a fully integrated part of the local community. We will be supporting Land Securities through their planning application and hope the site and our unique offering will be a welcome addition to Worcester and surrounding areas."
Nick Duffield, portfolio director for Land Securities, adds: "This is good news for Worcester. Bringing John Lewis to our proposed Worcester Woods development will make Worcester an even better destination for shoppers."
