Yahoo Finance John Lewis showcases new Anyday range in pop-up ‘store’
John Lewis has opened a temporary "store" in Leicester showcasing its low-cost Anyday range in a bid to win younger customers and students.
The unit, which is located just a few meters away from the John Lewis store in Highcross shopping centre, spans homeware, technology and clothing, with items typically about a fifth cheaper than the retailer’s own-brand ranges.
However, shoppers will only be able to purchase the items in the nearby John Lewis store.
The unit, which is not expected to be permanent, is meant to help the department store chain stimulate interest in the Anyday range.
The employee-owned firm launched its cheaper range in April and has since expanded its offering to include clothes.
The chairman, Dame Sharon White, is attempting to restore profitability before it is required to refinance its multi billion-pound debts. She has closed 16 John Lewis shops and cut thousands of jobs to keep a lid on costs.
Pippa Wicks, who runs John Lewis, said: “Anyday continues to be a step change for us, modernising John Lewis, bringing inspiration and quality to a wider audience. Sales and customer feedback has been brilliant, our customers have described it as modern, vibrant, inclusive and accessible.”
John Lewis opened a similar pop-up site in Cardiff last month after an initial “test and learn” exercise in the city in August. More such sites could spring up.
The Anyday range is already available online and in John Lewis and Waitrose shops.
Last week, the retailer opened a “school of service” to teach staff to provide better customer service amid criticism that standards in stores have been slipping in recent years.
There are plans to retrain 500 staff before Christmas, in hopes a renewed focus on helping shoppers will boost sales.
