John Lewis is to become the first department store chain to open airport shops as it prepares to open at Heathrow’s Terminal 2 next year.
John Lewis is spending more than £1m on a 3,600 sq ft store, which will offer jetsetters a curated selection of home, fashion and gifts. Alongside a variety of brands, John Lewis Heathrow will sell own-brand products, designer collaborations and exclusive ranges.
The retailer said the new store, located on the top floor of the departure lounge, will create about 40 new jobs.
Due to open on June 4, 2014, the store will be part of Heathrow’s new terminal, set to be named ‘Terminal 2 : The Queen’s Terminal’, in honour of Her Majesty The Queen. It is the latest phase of a five-year, £11bn revamp of Heathrow.
John Lewis managing director Andy Street said: “This new opening is a huge and exciting step forward in developing our international strategy, giving us access to one of the most concentrated, valuable and influential markets in the world. We recently made clear our ambition to further develop our online presence internationally in addition to increasing our international wholesale business. This opportunity at Heathrow perfectly complements and enhances these initiatives.”
Heathrow retail director Muriel Zingraff-Shariff said: “Our passengers love the retail experience at Heathrow and this shows our commitment to delivering stores that will delight them and bring real value to their journey.”
The retailer is also expanding its international wholesale business, developing a bed, bath and tableware range in partnership with four Shinsegae department stores in South Korea, with plans to roll out the offer to more of their stores.
Separately, John Lewis’ long-standing buying and brand director Peter Ruis is leaving the company to run fashion retailer Jigsaw.
Ruis, who has been with John Lewis for nine years, will be replaced internally by Paula Nickolds.
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