What: John Lewis accelerates its retail transformation with an £800 million investment in modernizing beauty departments, driving 7% growth in beauty sales and expanding to 41 beauty counters.

Why it is important: The significant investment in beauty departments reflects John Lewis's successful pivot back to core retail operations, building on its return to profitability and demonstrating the growing importance of experiential beauty retail in department store success.

John Lewis has announced a substantial £800 million investment in renovating its retail spaces, with a primary focus on transforming its beauty departments. The initiative begins with the beauty halls at its flagship Oxford Street location, alongside stores in High Wycombe and Cheadle. The retailer has already witnessed impressive results in this sector, with beauty sales increasing by 7% in the first half compared to the previous year. The modernization includes the installation of new sleek counters featuring marble effects and enhanced lighting systems, creating a more luxurious shopping environment. Under the leadership of Executive Director Peter Ruis, John Lewis has expanded its beauty presence significantly, now operating 41 beauty counters – a 24% increase from the previous year – and offering 175 beauty brands, marking a 15% expansion in their brand portfolio. The transformation extends beyond beauty, encompassing other retail categories such as home, tech, jewelry, and large electronics. The Oxford Street flagship is set to further enhance its appeal with the addition of Jamie Oliver's Cookery School and Café in spring 2025, alongside a recently opened Waterstones, demonstrating the company's commitment to creating a diverse, experiential retail destination.

IADS Notes: John Lewis's £800 million investment in store renovations, particularly in beauty halls, builds upon a significant transformation journey that began in March 2024 with their return to profitability and announcement of a £542m investment plan . This latest commitment aligns with their ongoing store enhancement strategy, exemplified by the ambitious transformation of their Peter Jones store in Chelsea announced in October 2024 . The focus on modernizing beauty departments with sleek counters and improved lighting complements their broader technological upgrades, including the £5 million investment in digital headsets and £1 million in mobile printers announced in August 2024 . This comprehensive approach to store renovation mirrors industry trends, as seen with Selfridges' successful beauty hall revamp in May 2024 , suggesting a sector-wide recognition of the importance of enhanced in-store experiences in the beauty category.

John Lewis Invests 800 Million Pounds Into Retail