UK retailer John Lewis Partnership has reportedly revealed plans to reopen its department stores in a phased manner.
The announcement follows after the UK Government published a roadmap to reopen non-essential retail starting from 15 June.
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John Lewis Partnership owns and operates two retail brands, John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners.
John Lewis & Partners operates 50 stores across the UK, which include 37 department stores, 12 John Lewis at home and shops at St Pancras International and Heathrow Terminal 2. It also has an online presence.
The Telegraph reported that John Lewis stores in Poole and Kingston will reopen on 15 June.
Another 11 stores will reopen on 18 June. They are located at Bluewater, Cambridge, Cheadle, Nottingham, Solihull, Cheltenham, High Wycombe, Horsham, Ipswich, Norwich and Welwyn, according to the publication.
In a statement, John Lewis was quoted by media sources as saying: “We have been preparing to reopen our John Lewis stores, informed by what we have learnt from the social distancing measures the partnership has taken in Waitrose.
“Our plan sees us open our shops on a phased basis, to enable us to test the changes we are introducing and ensure the best and safest customer and partner (employee) experience.
“The safety of our customers and partners will govern everything we do and we are prepared to readjust our plan and make changes as we go to make sure we get it absolutely right and continue adhering to evolving Government guidelines.”
Last month, the company reopened its textiles factory ‘Herbert Parkinson’ in Lancashire, to make protective gowns for the NHS.
Last year, planned to open an experimental concept shop in its Southampton store.
