John Lewis sparks fury as suppliers face fees

DEPARTMENT store John Lewis has clashed with fashion brands it has hit with a charge for each item sold on its website – and slapped on another fee if the item is later returned by shoppers.

The ‘double whammy’ charge could raise millions for John Lewis, which prides itself on it ethical approach, if it were applied across the firm’s ranges, suppliers told The Mail on Sunday.

Several, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, said the firm has demanded a £1.50 per item charge on each sale and an extra £1.50 ‘processing fee’ if it is returned. Up to a third of clothing purchased online is sent back. Shoppers often order several sizes, and return ones that don’t fit.

John Lewis said the terms only applied to a ‘small number’ of concession suppliers and that fees were individually negotiated.

The retailer said it takes its relationship with suppliers very seriously. ‘We work hard to build long-term and sustainable partnerships, and as the market evolves, we speak confidentially to individual suppliers about the way we work with them.’

But one supplier said: ‘The majority of suppliers have said “no” except maybe newer or more desperate ones.

‘As I understand, they are applying it to “heavy return” categories – fashion, shoes, jewellery. It’s caused a lot of ill feeling.’