John Lewis Edinburgh: Department store reveals £24m investment makeover plan

Home design and style studios are among the new range of services that John Lewis Edinburgh has revealed today, as the company confirmed plans for the final phase of its £24m refurbishment.
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The overhaul and reconfiguration of the entire 160,000sq ft shop will see improvements being made to a host of departments, alongside a variety of new additions.

John Lewis said the opening of the St James Quarter alongside its own multi-million pound investment will provide a major boost to the city’s businesses.

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The store is expected to unveil its completed new look in April next year to coincide with the opening of the St James Quarter.

What will the new-look John Lewis store offer?

The finalised refurbishment will boast a variety of new features and services, including:

The World of Design

Home stylists will offer free 15 minute drop-in appointments to help customers design an instant home makeover. There will be inspiring room sets so customers can visualise how the latest furniture can be styled with lamps, rugs, bookshelves to create a stylish new room.

The overhaul and reconfiguration of the entire 160,000sq ft shop will see improvements being made to a host of departments, alongside a variety of new additions.The overhaul and reconfiguration of the entire 160,000sq ft shop will see improvements being made to a host of departments, alongside a variety of new additions.
The overhaul and reconfiguration of the entire 160,000sq ft shop will see improvements being made to a host of departments, alongside a variety of new additions.

Customers can create a bespoke magnetic moodboard with samples of carpets, wallpaper and fabric, to make it easier to remodel their home.

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Home design stylists can also visit customers at home to help them completely remodel their kitchen or living spaces.

Beauty Society

A free beauty concierge-style service where customers will be able to seek independent advice across the full range of brands and products.

Barry Blamire, Head of Branch for John Lewis Edinburgh, said: “Despite these challenging times, the investment we are making combined with the opening of the St James Quarter next year means there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of retail in the city."Barry Blamire, Head of Branch for John Lewis Edinburgh, said: “Despite these challenging times, the investment we are making combined with the opening of the St James Quarter next year means there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of retail in the city."
Barry Blamire, Head of Branch for John Lewis Edinburgh, said: “Despite these challenging times, the investment we are making combined with the opening of the St James Quarter next year means there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of retail in the city."

They will also be able to book in for a variety of services and consultation appointments.

Style Studios

One-on-one personal styling appointments for women will be available.

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Customers will be able to choose their personal stylist and select from one of the five appointments: from a wardrobe refresh to helping find the perfect pair of jeans.

Men’s personal styling services will also be available, including a dedicated styling space.

Shops within the shop

Iconic brands, including Edinburgh Gin, Hotel Chocolat, Neom, Kurt Geiger and Longchamp and Coach will have their own dedicated areas within the store offering products which are exclusive to John Lewis.

Bigger departments and more brands

The womenswear, menswear, beauty and women's accessories departments will all increase in size offering a much wider collection of brands.

John Lewis Opticians

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Offering expert advice and a collection of more than 500 glasses to choose from in store, John Lewis Edinburgh will be just one of three UK John Lewis shops where the World of Design and Beauty Society will be available - and is the first time they will be available in one of its three Scottish shops.

“There are many reasons to be optimistic”

Barry Blamire, Head of Branch for John Lewis Edinburgh, said: “Despite these challenging times, the investment we are making combined with the opening of the St James Quarter next year means there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of retail in the city.

“It also underlines the important role our shops continue to play alongside our growing online business.

“We want to give shoppers more reasons than ever to come to the shop and the city centre, while knowing they can do so safely.

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“The new look store will be designed to not only offer a superb selection of products, but provide outstanding experiences and inspiration for customers, which give a sense of occasion when they visit.”

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