John Lewis & Waitrose to Close 300+ Stores on Boxing Day
As the holiday season approaches, popular brands and supermarkets like John Lewis and Waitrose have announced their plans for store openings during the festive period. In a surprising move, John Lewis and Waitrose have decided to close more than 300 stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, despite these days traditionally being busy shopping days.
Recent years have seen a shift in the retail industry towards allowing staff time off during the holidays, and John Lewis and Waitrose are following suit. This decision reflects a growing trend among supermarkets to prioritize the well-being of their employees and allow them to spend time with their loved ones during the festive season. Home Bargains, for example, will be closing all of its branches on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day to give their staff a well-deserved break.
The closure of over 300 John Lewis and Waitrose stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day may inconvenience some shoppers, but it underscores the importance of work-life balance and the value of taking time off to recharge during the holidays. While most branches will be closed, some premium Waitrose sites attached to petrol stations will remain open to cater to customers’ needs. Additionally, specific John Lewis stores, such as those in Trafford and Stratford shopping centers, will also stay open during the Christmas period.
This decision by John Lewis and Waitrose to close their stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day raises questions about whether supermarkets should remain open during these holidays. Some may argue that it is essential for stores to be accessible to consumers at all times, while others believe that employees deserve a break to celebrate with their families. What do you think? Share your opinion in our poll below.
The John Lewis Partnership, which operates both the department store chain and Waitrose supermarket arm, recently reported narrowed half-year losses and projected significantly higher annual profits. Despite challenges in the retail industry, the group’s efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs have started to yield positive results. The group’s pre-tax losses for the first half of the year were down by 49% compared to the previous year, thanks to cost-saving measures and improved sales performance.
While the John Lewis department store business experienced a slight decline in sales, Waitrose saw a 5% increase in sales, driven by rising prices. The group’s commitment to cost-cutting measures resulted in the elimination of 300 jobs across the organization in the first half of the year. Despite the uncertain economic climate, the John Lewis Partnership remains optimistic about its financial outlook and expects a significant improvement in underlying profits by the end of the year.
One key consideration for the John Lewis Partnership moving forward is the decision regarding the annual staff bonus, which has not been awarded for the past two years. Nish Kankiwala, the chief executive of the group, indicated that a decision on the staff bonus would be made in March next year. The group remains confident in its ability to deliver strong financial results in the second half of the year and anticipates that full-year profits will be significantly higher than in the previous year.
In a statement, John Lewis expressed confidence in maintaining financial momentum through consistent delivery of its multi-year transformation. The group’s focus on operational efficiency and customer satisfaction has contributed to its positive outlook for the coming year. Despite the challenges faced by the retail industry, John Lewis believes that its ongoing transformation efforts will lead to continued success and growth in the future.
Mr. Kankiwala highlighted that the “buzz is back at John Lewis,” indicating a renewed sense of energy and optimism within the organization. The group’s commitment to adapting to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics has positioned it for success in the years ahead. With a focus on innovation, customer service, and employee well-being, John Lewis and Waitrose are poised to thrive in a challenging retail landscape.
In conclusion, the decision by John Lewis and Waitrose to close more than 300 stores on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day reflects a commitment to prioritizing the well-being of their employees and allowing them to enjoy the holiday season with their families. This move aligns with a broader trend in the retail industry towards giving employees time off during the holidays and recognizing the importance of work-life balance. As the John Lewis Partnership continues its transformation efforts and focuses on delivering exceptional customer experiences, it is well-positioned for continued success and growth in the future.
