When I think of transforming my living space, John Lewis & Partners Home instantly comes to mind. As of April 1, 2025, this beloved British brand continues to shape how we live, blending timeless quality with fresh ideas. Recent updates reveal a company pouring £800 million into revamping stores and enhancing home offerings, all while tripling profits to £126 million. Walking through their doors—or browsing online—feels like stepping into a world where comfort meets style. Let’s explore how they’re shaking things up this year.
I’ve always admired their knack for staying relevant. This spring, they’ve rolled out bold plans to elevate the home experience. Take the Oxford Street flagship: its beauty hall grew by 24%, but the real buzz is the new Jamie Oliver cookery school and café. It’s a clever twist—turning shopping into something you can taste and learn from. Meanwhile, Waitrose, their sister brand, aims to launch 100 new stores by 2029, ensuring home cooks have easy access to quality ingredients. These moves show they’re not just selling furniture; they’re curating lifestyles.
John Lewis & Partners Home: Store Revamps and Smart Investments
The £800 million investment isn’t just talk—it’s action. I popped into the Oxford Street store recently, and the changes hit me right away. The beauty hall feels airy, with counters spread out instead of crammed together. It’s less about stuffy tradition and more about enjoying the visit. They’re also bringing back the “Never Knowingly Undersold” promise, which boosted Christmas sales by 3%. That’s a win for anyone hunting for a deal on a sofa or lamp.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. The Theale distribution centre closure in July cut 75 jobs—a reminder that growth often comes with tough calls. Still, profits jumped, and sales reached £12.8 billion for the year ending January 25, 2025. Here’s a snapshot of their home-focused efforts:
| Focus Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Store Revamp | £800M to modernize, e.g., Oxford Street café |
| Sales Growth | £12.8B, up 3% year-on-year |
| Home Innovation | Cookery school, expanded beauty hall |
| Job Impact | 75 roles lost at Theale, pay rises elsewhere |
These stats tell a story of ambition tempered by reality. I’d say they’re playing a long game to keep homes stylish and functional.
Fresh Ideas for Every Room
What really excites me is how John Lewis & Partners Home keeps the ideas flowing. The cookery school isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a nod to how we’re cooking more at home. Pair that with their furniture range, and you’ve got a recipe for a cozy night in. Their online shop’s buzzing too, with homeware flying off virtual shelves. I snagged a rug last month, and the free delivery over £50 sealed the deal.
Staff are feeling the pinch, though—no bonuses for the third year despite profit gains. Instead, they’ve scored a 7.4% pay rise, with minimum wages hitting £12.40 an hour outside London. It’s a trade-off: invest in stores now, reward later. For shoppers like me, it means better spaces to explore, even if the workforce is grumbling a bit.
A Home Brand with Heart
There’s something special about a company that’s employee-owned. The John Lewis Partnership vibe shines through in every cushion and curtain. They’re not flawless—consumer confidence dips and budget worries loom—but they’re adapting. The focus on physical stores bucks the online-only trend, and I love that. Popping into a shop beats scrolling sometimes. With plans to keep innovating, they’re proving home isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling they’re determined to perfect.