John Lewis in Sheffield to close for good
It's one of eight stores not reopening after lockdown ends, putting 299 jobs at risk in Sheffield
Last updated 24th Mar 2021
The John Lewis store in Sheffield is among eight which will stay permanently closed after lockdown.
The company says it's rebalancing its estate to reflect how customers want to shop and the sites selected for closure were already financially challenged.
The move puts 299 jobs at the Sheffield store at risk - John Lewis says it'll try to offer alternative roles in the business for as many people as possible.
The other stores due to shut are 'At Home' shops in Ashford, Basingstoke, Chester and Tunbridge Wells and department stores in Aberdeen, Peterborough and York.
Sharon White, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership said:
“We appreciate this is incredibly difficult news for our Partners and the people of Sheffield. We are acutely aware of our long history in the City and are hugely grateful to all our customers in Sheffield for their loyalty, our Partners for their outstanding work over the years and Sheffield City Council for its continued support.
"While the shop was financially challenged prior to the pandemic, we were determined that with additional investment, we would be able to play a key role in the regeneration of the city centre.
“However, the pandemic has had an irreversible impact on retail and we must make difficult decisions to ensure the Partnership is sustainable in the future.
“If the proposal to close goes ahead, we have put together a package of carefully considered support to help our Partners and would look to redeploy as many Partners as possible.”
The closure comes after John Lewis signed a new lease for the Sheffield store last August.
The company says it thought with investment in the store it could play a key role in the Heart of the City regeneration of the city centre but that the challenges of the pandemic made it financially unviable.
Patrick Duffy, Head of Branch for John Lewis Sheffield, said:
“John Lewis holds a special place in my and many people’s hearts in Sheffield, as we have had a presence in the city since 1940. We are incredibly proud of the long and valued legacy of service we’ve held in Sheffield and thank our customers for shopping with us over many years. I also want to thank our Partners for all their hard work as we continue to support them through the consultation period.”