The department‑store chain launched its Christmas shop nationwide, with the flagship Christmas floor now open on Oxford Street in London, signalling the start of the retailer’s festive season.
Early online activity points to strong consumer interest: searches for gift‑wrap have risen fivefold compared with the previous year, while searches for charity Christmas cards are up 75%, according to John Lewis data.
Cydney Ball, head of Christmas at John Lewis, said the opening marks the culmination of months of planning, adding, “Christmas at John Lewis is about so much more than finding the perfect gift or ornament for the tree. It’s about the anticipation, the nostalgia and those little moments that make the season feel magical.”
The retailer also noted a surge in demand for “retro classics”, with sales of the Native Union Pop Phone jumping 186% in the past week alone.
To complement the retail offering, all stores will host a series of talks covering topics such as building a winter capsule wardrobe, a “treetorial” on tree styling and decorating, and tips for setting the perfect Christmas table.
John Lewis is not alone in the early‑season rollout; rival department stores Liberty and Selfridges have already transformed large sections of their premises into dedicated festive‑themed spaces.