£16m John Lewis refurbishment begins

9:50am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News

John Lewis High Wycombe's MD Lisa Williams John Lewis High Wycombe's MD Lisa Williams

THE £16m refurbishment of John Lewis High Wycombe is underway.

Staff and contractors have been emptying 35,000 square-feet of back-office space which will be renovated to boost the shop floor - including the addition of fashion and nursery departments for the first time.

The existing selling area and restaurant will be spruced up, and the beauty and audio and visual departments will be extended.

The overall refit and extension, which received planning permission from Wycombe District Council last year, will be completed in October.

Lisa Williams, managing director of John Lewis High Wycombe, said: “I am thrilled that work on the refurbishment is officially underway.

“We have operated successfully in High Wycombe for over two decades and it seems apt that in our 25th year, we are investing to guarantee our long term presence in the region.”

“The refurbishment, which will see the introduction of both men’s and women’s fashion, nursery, toys, crafts and childrenswear, will help to ensure High Wycombe retains its rightful role as the regional shopping destination of choice.

“Our multi-million pound investment will benefit local shoppers and will also contribute significantly to the vitality of the region with the creation of around 200 new jobs.”

The Holmers Farm Way store will remain open throughout the refurbishment.

John Lewis workers - who co-own the department store - will find out what their annual partners’ bonus will be on Thursday.

Comments (10)

2:22pm Wed 6 Mar 13

1wycombe says...

good on you john lewis about time we had some good shops in wycombe cos EDEN and house of fraser are rip off...
good on you john lewis about time we had some good shops in wycombe cos EDEN and house of fraser are rip off... 1wycombe

4:46pm Wed 6 Mar 13

thethe says...

it's not really in wycombe though is it. And i'd rather they just stocked more of everything than widening their range - they carry a wide range of household items, but very little stock so the things I go there for are usually sold out. They'd be better off opening a store in the town centre to attract more high street business that expanding in the middle of nowhere where they are now
it's not really in wycombe though is it. And i'd rather they just stocked more of everything than widening their range - they carry a wide range of household items, but very little stock so the things I go there for are usually sold out. They'd be better off opening a store in the town centre to attract more high street business that expanding in the middle of nowhere where they are now thethe

6:50pm Wed 6 Mar 13

Voyeur says...

John Lewis will finally be able to sell clothing and other goods that they were banned from selling because when it was built it clashed with the high street in the town. It has free parking as well which is a great benefit compared to shopping in the town.
John Lewis will finally be able to sell clothing and other goods that they were banned from selling because when it was built it clashed with the high street in the town. It has free parking as well which is a great benefit compared to shopping in the town. Voyeur

7:55pm Wed 6 Mar 13

gpn01 says...

thethe wrote:
it's not really in wycombe though is it. And i'd rather they just stocked more of everything than widening their range - they carry a wide range of household items, but very little stock so the things I go there for are usually sold out. They'd be better off opening a store in the town centre to attract more high street business that expanding in the middle of nowhere where they are now
Have you seen how busy it gets already? Being "in the middle of nowhere" doesn't seem to stop their existing customers from going there.
[quote][p][bold]thethe[/bold] wrote: it's not really in wycombe though is it. And i'd rather they just stocked more of everything than widening their range - they carry a wide range of household items, but very little stock so the things I go there for are usually sold out. They'd be better off opening a store in the town centre to attract more high street business that expanding in the middle of nowhere where they are now[/p][/quote]Have you seen how busy it gets already? Being "in the middle of nowhere" doesn't seem to stop their existing customers from going there. gpn01

8:44pm Wed 6 Mar 13

demoness the second says...

I am in the minority here but heigh ho.
I LOATHE JL - full of pretentious customers who like to boast that they got something from "John Lewis".
House of Fraser all the way for me :D
I am in the minority here but heigh ho. I LOATHE JL - full of pretentious customers who like to boast that they got something from "John Lewis". House of Fraser all the way for me :D demoness the second

7:31am Thu 7 Mar 13

Malc London says...

Last time I was there I was amazed at how busy the cafe was.

It's a very good store, very popular and I look forward to the improvement.
Last time I was there I was amazed at how busy the cafe was. It's a very good store, very popular and I look forward to the improvement. Malc London

7:46am Thu 7 Mar 13

1wycombe says...

hopefully the refburibment should be completed by christmas. im looking forward to it. and the free parking where at (EDEN)....it's rip PRICES.
hopefully the refburibment should be completed by christmas. im looking forward to it. and the free parking where at (EDEN)....it's rip PRICES. 1wycombe

3:38pm Thu 7 Mar 13

BOOKERite says...

Good news, they fought WDC/House of Fraser for a long time to achieve planning permission.

It is not 'in the middle of nowhere' it is just off the motorway junction, therefore much more accessible than the town centre, plus free parking. I'm looking forward to it.
Good news, they fought WDC/House of Fraser for a long time to achieve planning permission. It is not 'in the middle of nowhere' it is just off the motorway junction, therefore much more accessible than the town centre, plus free parking. I'm looking forward to it. BOOKERite

6:48am Fri 8 Mar 13

1wycombe says...

house of fraser and EDEN management objected the application from day 1. you just need to walk through house of fraser to see for your self the place is like GHOST town there wont be long for much longer.
house of fraser and EDEN management objected the application from day 1. you just need to walk through house of fraser to see for your self the place is like GHOST town there wont be long for much longer. 1wycombe

7:44am Fri 8 Mar 13

washondo says...

demoness the second wrote:
I am in the minority here but heigh ho.
I LOATHE JL - full of pretentious customers who like to boast that they got something from "John Lewis".
House of Fraser all the way for me :D
Just when I was preparing the "inverted snob" riposte, we find you are an even bigger snob.
~
Where will you shop when House of Fraser pulls the plug - shortly?
[quote][p][bold]demoness the second[/bold] wrote: I am in the minority here but heigh ho. I LOATHE JL - full of pretentious customers who like to boast that they got something from "John Lewis". House of Fraser all the way for me :D[/p][/quote]Just when I was preparing the "inverted snob" riposte, we find you are an even bigger snob. ~ Where will you shop when House of Fraser pulls the plug - shortly? washondo

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