John Lewis has proposed the closure of two in-store services—bureaux de change and dedicated gift-wrapping areas—citing declining demand. The move could put up to 200 jobs at risk across its UK stores.
Bureaux de Change to Move Online
The department store chain plans to remove currency exchange counters from 30 of its 36 stores, shifting the service entirely online. According to a John Lewis spokesperson, customers increasingly prefer ordering currency online, using credit cards, or making digital payments while abroad. The company says a broader selection of currencies will be available online, with home delivery and Click & Collect options still offered at John Lewis and Waitrose branches.
Consultations have begun with approximately 200 partners (125 full-time equivalent roles) who may be affected. It is not yet confirmed which 30 stores will lose the service, including whether Scotland's two branches in Glasgow and Edinburgh will be impacted.
Gift-Wrapping Service Also Under Review
John Lewis is also proposing to discontinue its dedicated gift-wrapping areas, currently available in 25 stores and sharing space with the bureaux de change. The retailer is exploring alternative ways to offer gift-wrapping, such as at the till point, in a more accessible format. This change will also result in job losses, and a consultation period has been launched for affected staff. Redeployment into other roles will be considered where possible.
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 bureaus as well as our gift wrapping service. As a result, we’re regretfully consulting with Partners who currently deliver these services. This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly, and we will support impacted Partners throughout the consultation process and support redeployment where possible.”
Part of Wider Modernisation
The proposed closures come alongside a £20 million revamp of John Lewis's flagship Glasgow store in Buchanan Galleries. The 28,000 sq.ft branch will be transformed over 12 months, adding new brands, experiences, and services to create an “exciting retail destination full of discovery.” A new 'World of Tech' and sports department is expected by late September, with enhanced menswear and home departments due by mid-November.
