John Lewis has announced proposals to end two major in-store services, putting up to 200 jobs at risk. The retailer plans to close its foreign exchange bureaux and dedicated gift wrapping counters across dozens of branches, citing shifts in customer behaviour.
Foreign exchange services to go
The chain proposes shutting 30 bureau de change counters in 30 locations. According to John Lewis, customers increasingly buy foreign currency online, opting for home delivery or in-store collection. Travellers are also moving towards bank cards and digital wallets instead of cash, reducing the need for staffed currency desks.
Gift wrapping counters affected
Dedicated gift wrapping services would also be removed, with 25 branches losing specialist counters. Shoppers will still be able to get gifts wrapped, but the service will move to general store counters, as reported by The Independent.
Consultation underway
A John Lewis spokesperson said: “Our customers are increasingly buying the broad range of currencies we offer online, and enjoying the convenience of having this delivered directly to their home or collecting it at one of our shops. As we focus on modernising this proposition to meet our customers' changing needs, we're proposing to close our in-store foreign exchange bureaux as well as our gift wrapping service. As a result, we're regretfully consulting with partners who currently deliver these services.”
The retailer is consulting with affected staff. No final decision has been made, but if approved, the changes would take effect in the autumn, according to The Guardian.
