IADS Press release: John Lewis joins the IADS

John Lewis joins the International Association of Department Stores. 

John Lewis, part of the John Lewis Partnership and holder of a Royal Warrant of Appointment from King Charles III, renowned for its unique employee ownership model, omnichannel excellence, and trusted retail heritage spanning over 160 years, officially joins the IADS. This membership will be formalised at the 66th Association General Assembly in Hong Kong this November. 

Founded in 1864 as a drapery shop on Oxford Street, John Lewis has become one of the UK's most beloved retail brands. With a rich heritage of customer service and innovation, the company has 34 department stores across England, Scotland, and Wales, complemented by robust digital channels that account for approximately 60% of total sales. At the heart of its business model is a diverse merchandise assortment spanning fashion, home, beauty, and technology, including both curated international brands and distinctive private labels, all underpinned by its recently restored "Never Knowingly Undersold" price pledge, which was introduced for the first time as early as 1925. 

The company's flagship store on Oxford Street, London, stands as a testament to John Lewis's commitment to evolving with customer expectations. Recently revamped with a £6.5 million investment, this 39,000-square-meter retail destination showcases John Lewis's innovative approach to retail, featuring strategic brand partnerships like Waterstones and the upcoming Jamie Oliver cookery school, alongside technology-enhanced shopping experiences and personalised services. This flagship renovation is part of a broader investment in store improvements across the network, demonstrating the retailer's confidence in physical retail's continued relevance in an omnichannel world. 

What truly sets John Lewis apart is its unique ownership structure as the UK's largest employee-owned business. Since 1929, all employees are "Partners" who share in the company's success. This distinctive model has fostered exceptional customer service and community connection, complemented by a rapidly growing loyalty program with 3.7 million active members, up 11% compared to last year.  

In December 2024, John Lewis's commitment to quality and service was recognised at the highest level when it was granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment as supplier of Household Goods and Furnishings to His Majesty King Charles III. This is a prestigious mark of recognition for companies that have regularly supplied the Royal Household for at least five years. 

Ms Kamshim Lau, Executive Director of Lifestyle International (Hong Kong SAR) and President of the IADS said: “We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to John Lewis as a valued member of our esteemed community. As an iconic, employee-owned retailer with a rich heritage and a commitment to excellence, John Lewis brings a unique perspective and strength to our association. We look forward to collaborating with their team, sharing insights, and advancing the future of department store innovation together.”    

Mr James Breckenbridge, Retail Director at John Lewis, said: “We’re delighted to join the Association and are looking forward to collaborating with members on strategic opportunities and challenges facing the retail industry today.”  

By joining the Association, John Lewis, which has already been a long-standing and influential member of the IADS in the past, will contribute to the fruitful exchanges taking place between leading department stores within the framework offered by IADS, where members collaborate on strategic challenges ranging from omnichannel integration to private label development, customer loyalty enhancement, and sustainable retail practices.  

The John Lewis Partnership owns and operates two of Britain's best-loved retail brands - John Lewis and Waitrose. Started as a radical experiment over a century ago, the Partnership is now the largest employee-owned business in the UK. The Partnership is purpose-driven, existing to create a fairer and more sustainable future for our Partners, customers, suppliers and communities. Our Purpose not only inspires our principles, drives our decisions and acts as our guide to be a force for good, it steers us to do things differently and better - all in service of creating a happier world for everyone and everything we touch. 

John Lewis operates 34 shops across the UK as well as johnlewis.com. Waitrose has 315 shops in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands, including 47 convenience branches, and another 29 shops at Welcome Break locations. The retailer's omnichannel business includes the online grocery service, waitrose.com, and specialist online shops including waitrosecellar.com for wine. 

The International Association of Department Stores (IADS) is the only expert body specialising globally in the department store retail format. Consisting of leading department store members around the globe, the Association acts as an international network, facilitating exchange and communication between members. It also conducts research to address department stores' current challenges and provide actionable insights for its members.   

Today, IADS permanent members include Beijing Hualian Group (PRC), Bloomingdale’s (USA), Boyner (Turkey), Breuninger (Germany), Chalhoub Group (UAE), Centro Beco (Venezuela), El Corte Inglés (Spain), El Palacio de Hierro (Mexico), Falabella (Chile, Colombia and Peru), Galeries Lafayette (France), John Lewis & Partners (UK), Lifestyle International Holding (Hong Kong), Magasin du Nord (Denmark), Manor (Switzerland), The Mall Group (Thailand), TSUM Kyiv (Ukraine). These retail leaders are joined by a network of other department stores and retail companies as corresponding members. 

Together, the IADS members, all key players in their respective markets, create a landscape of various business models and cultures and represent more than €40.5bn cumulated annual turnover, achieved through more than 549 stores with 251,000 associates in 28 countries.  

Through its own activities and partnerships with NellyRodi, Retail Hub and RH-ISAC, the Association constantly stays up to date on its members’ questions and challenges. It generates solution-driven problem-solving processes for its members so that they are prepared to face the future of the retail industry. 
Press Contact: IADS, press@iads.org 

Read the full press release below:

Read the full press release, in French, below: