John Lewis to open new format in York

Department store, John Lewis has announced plans to open a 100,000 sq ft department store in York as early as autumn 2013. The ‘flexible format shop’ is due to be located in the new Monks Cross development, owned by Oakgate.

The news means that the retailer will be investing more than £15 million in the new shop, which will boost local employment with the creation of around 300 new jobs. The new smaller concept store will allow the department chain to showcase its range of John Lewis products to more locations throughout the country. On average, John Lewis major department stores have a selling space of 132,000 sq ft, and 'at home' shops an approximate 40,000 sq ft.

The concept store in York will highlight fashion, home and consumer electronics in an inspiring and contemporary retail setting and will be designed to maximise the opportunity for multi-channel shopping whilst ensuring customers have access to a comprehensive John Lewis assortment in the shop.

Andy Street, Managing Director John Lewis comments, “There is a huge potential, and a clear demand from customers, for John Lewis to expand into more key locations in the UK. Our new format shops allow us to forge ahead with our growth plans to introduce John Lewis branches and our full-line assortment to cities and towns like York.”

Tim Harrison, head of format development for John Lewis added, “These new smaller department stores allow us to open in places we've wanted to trade in for years. Our local customers have been travelling to our regional stores at Sheffield and Newcastle, and the new shop in Monks Cross will plug the gap in that regional offer. We have long wanted to have a presence in York but have not been able to find a site or retail-led scheme which we felt was viable and deliverable within our timescales. We look forward to providing shoppers with greater convenience and ease of access to our inspiring products, great value and exceptional service.”

The retailer is planning to open five shops in 2012, including John Lewis at home shops in Newbury and Chichester plus the first flexible format department store in Exeter.

Image: John Lewis