CITYA.M. reports that John Lewis has also recognised the opportunity offered by catering within shopping, and is about to launch a new restaurant concept.
Chief executive Andy Street is reported to have said that, whilst John Lewis’ restaurants and cafeterias were profitable and provided good quality “middle of the road” food, they were not “cutting edge” brands:
“There is an opportunity to bring some more diversification into our catering offer. By having a slightly different branding offer we can attract a different customer.”
Retailers re-thinking use of space
John Lewis’ move represents the most recent example of a major retailer re-examining how it uses its space in large stores in order both to increase footfall, and compete with existing competition – including the growing power of the internet.
Already, John Lewis is testing Kuoni travel concessions in four of its shops as well as “beauty retreats”. Such services can have the added benefit of re-utilising ‘redundant’ space.
John Lewis and Waitrose are also being brought together under one roof where opportunity exists or can be created – a rather belated move that is apparently already delivering benefits to both parties.
Tesco – as featured recently in H & C News, is already moving Giraffe, Harris + Hoole, and Euphorium into its largest stores (Tesco unveils food concepts under one roof).
And Debenhams announced only last week that it is replacing office space at its flagship London Oxford Street with a restaurant, cafe and bistro.
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