UK high-end department store chain John Lewis is launching a 16-week trial offering in-store repair and cleaning services for clothing, accessories, and some homeware items.

Partnering with Johnsons, a Timpson Group company known for its alterations expertise, the initiative aims to cater to growing customer demand for sustainable practices.

The trial kicked off today (22 July) in five John Lewis stores across the UK - Oxford, Liverpool, Cheadle, Milton Keynes, and Welwyn.

Customers can bring in items of any brand for mending, alterations, dry cleaning, and more.

“Our customers come to us for fashion and homeware that’s well made and will last - and this just takes that mentality and service one step further,” said John Lewis' commercial director Kathleen Mitchell.

“We want to help them extend the wear of their fashion items and have the option to bring those much-loved items back to life”.

John Lewis brings its established reputation for quality and customer service while Johnsons contributes its expertise in alterations and garment care.

“Alterations have always been one of the core parts of our business and we have been seeing this increase over the past few years as more customers are conscious about the environment and are wanting to repair and bring back to life some of their well-loved garments and accessories,” said Will Lankston, managing director of Timpson Direct.

The move aligns with John Lewis' commitment to a circular economy, where products are kept in use for longer.

Research from the Waste & Resources Action Programme suggests that extending a garment's life by just nine months can reduce its carbon, waste, and water footprint by up to 30%.

Additionally, a study from Aviva found that more than 33% of UK adults plan to prioritise repairs over buying new items, reflecting a growing shift in consumer behaviour.

John Lewis said it will use the trial period to gather customer feedback and analyse repair trends.

This 'test and learn' approach will help it understand the specific services in demand, the types of garments most frequently repaired, and the customer demographics driving the trend.

These insights will be used to refine the company's offering and potentially expand it in the future.