The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Re-opening date for top store
MPs had written to John Lewis chairman over concerns about closure
Peterborough’s John Lewis will not close, the firm has announced.
The branch is still closed, and there had been fears it could be among a number to shut permanently following lockdown.
However, the firm has now confirmed the Queensgate branch will re-open on July 30. It is closing eight stores across the country, however,
The delay in reopening the Peterborough store had sparked concerns with both of the city’s MPs making a plea to the retailer.
Peterborough MP Paul Bristow called on Dame Sharon White, the new chairman of the retailing gaint, to put her confidence in Peterborough and to ensure the store in the Queensgate shopping centre reopens.
His call came as the 390 staff at the store faced an anxious wait to find out if the branch, which underwent a £21 million revamp last year, would be re-opened.
The retailer had already announced that 32 of its stores will re-open.
In an email to Dame Sharon White, Mr Bristow stated: “I have been disturbed to read reports that you might not reopen your flagship Peterborough store.
“Given the uncertainty the media reports have created, I hope you will publicly put your confidence in Peterborough. We are proud of our city and will make John Lewis proud of staying.”
North West Cambs MP Shailesh Vara said: “John Lewis is a precious jewel in Peterborough and it would be a huge blow to the city if it were to close. I will be working closely with Paul Bristow, doing all we can to retain the business in Peterborough.”
A John Lewis spokesman said: “The shops identified for closure include two full size department stores in Birmingham and Watford.
“Approximately 1,300 partners across the eight shops will now enter into consultation.
“Prior to the pandemic, the eight shops identified were already financially challenged and the pandemic has accelerated the switch from shopping in-store to online.
“Before the virus struck, 40 percent of John Lewis sales were online. This could now be closer to 60 to 70 percent of total sales this year and next.”
Dame White said: “Closing a shop is always incredibly difficult and the announcement will come as very sad news to customers and partners. However, we believe closures are necessary to help us secure the sustainability of the partnership.
“There are many reasons to be optimistic about the partnership’s future.”