What: John Lewis unveils its first Gifting Emporium and a reimagined Home department at Bluewater, marking its largest store transformation in four years.

Why it is important: This move demonstrates how major department stores are investing in experiential retail and curated customer journeys to remain competitive.

John Lewis has launched its first-ever Gifting Emporium and introduced a completely reimagined Home department at its Bluewater store, following a £10 million investment—the largest refurbishment the retailer has undertaken in four years. The new 650 square metre Gifting Emporium features nearly 1,800 products and 14 new brands, offering customers a curated and inspirational gifting experience grouped by interests such as home, hobbies, and wellbeing. Simultaneously, the Home department now invites shoppers to explore five distinct interior styles curated by in-house designers, moving beyond traditional product displays to a more immersive, lifestyle-led approach. This transformation is part of a broader £800 million investment strategy, reinforcing John Lewis’s commitment to delivering innovative, customer-centric experiences both in-store and online. The refurbishment also includes a revamped Beauty Hall, expanded fashion departments, and a new Waterstones shop-in-shop, underscoring the retailer’s focus on premium brands and experiential retail. These changes position John Lewis at the forefront of evolving department store trends, emphasising inspiration, personalisation, and engagement.

IADS Notes: John Lewis’s £10 million Bluewater refurbishment, including the Gifting Emporium and new Home department, is a clear example of the retailer’s ongoing commitment to physical retail investment and experiential innovation. This aligns with its broader £800 million strategy highlighted in February 2025 (Drapers), and is reinforced by recent launches such as the VIP members’ lounge (Drapers, November 2025) and Liverpool beauty hall (The Retail Bulletin, August 2025). The expansion of premium brands and digital supplier platforms (Retail Gazette, August 2025; Fashion United, October 2025) further demonstrates agility in responding to consumer trends, while industry sources from August and November 2025 (Retail Week, The Retail Bulletin) confirm that department stores prioritizing personalization and seamless digital-physical integration are best positioned for future success.

John Lewis launches first-ever Gifting Emporium and unveils biggest transformation of its Home department as part of Bluewater store refurbishment