John Lewis is planning to close all its physical bureau de change desks, placing 200 jobs at risk, as it looks to move the currency exchange service online, Retail Week can reveal.
The department store chain is proposing a series of changes to its branches, including the closure of all 30 travel money service areas.
The move follows a decline in foreign currency exchange at its shops, as customers increasingly order holiday money online or use their debit and credit cards abroad.
The proposals are subject to consultation, and no final decision has been made. Consumers can still order currency online for home delivery or click-and-collect.
A source close to the business said around 200 employees had entered into a consultation, including 125 full-time team members.
Gift-wrapping areas set to close
John Lewis is also planning to discontinue its dedicated gift-wrapping areas, which are offered in 25 shops and share space with the bureau de change desks. The retailer is considering moving the service to the tills as an alternative.
John Lewis said it would seek to offer impacted staff other suitable roles within the business where possible.
A spokesperson told Retail Week: “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 service 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.”
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