What: John Lewis goes back to retail basics and increased the number of sales staff

Why it is important: suppliers are not ok to pay the bill.

John Lewis's chief, Peter Ruis, is implementing a strategy to enhance the retailer's performance by increasing the number of employees on the shop floor. Appointed in January, Ruis aims to replicate the successful sales culture of the store's beauty halls throughout other sections by renegotiating contracts with fashion brands. According to The Sunday Times, these new agreements would allow brands to pay a reduced commission in exchange for staffing their concessions with more employees. Research by John Lewis supports this approach, suggesting that a greater staff presence could boost concession sales significantly, benefitting both the retailer and its suppliers. Although fashion brands are generally supportive, some suppliers have expressed the need for lower commission rates to feasibly accommodate the plan.

New John Lewis boss to increase shop floor staff