John Lewis Proposes Closing In-Store Services Risking 200 Jobs

The John Lewis Partnership is proposing to close all in-store Bureau de Change desks and scale back specialist gift wrapping services across its UK stores. The plan involves shutting foreign exchange bureaus in 30 locations and gift wrapping desks in 25 stores, with the latter service moving to store tills. If confirmed following a consultation process, the closures and corresponding redundancies are expected to take place this autumn.

Approximately 200 staff members, including 125 full-time employees, are currently in consultation regarding potential job losses. The retailer stated the move is part of a modernization effort to meet changing customer needs, as shoppers increasingly purchase currency online for home delivery or store collection. Some staff members have criticized the proposal, claiming it removes key service areas and increases pressure on an already overworked shop floor.

These cuts follow a period of significant restructuring under Chair Jason Tarry, which included the closure of the company's housebuilding arm in February and the loss of 3,300 jobs last year. Financially, the retailer reported underlying profits of £134 million and a 5% sales increase to £13.4 billion, though it recorded a pre-tax loss of £21 million for the year ending January 31, 2026, due to one-off technology write-downs. The move comes alongside a £50 million investment plan to transform 36 stores into retail destinations.