John Lewis & Partners is to merge its home improvement businesses Home Solutions and Opun as part of a push to “create a truly differentiated home improvement offer”.
The retailer sees opportunity in a “fragmented sector” for an “end-to-end home improvement service, which includes inspiration, design, project management and execution” as it seeks to “expand beyond shops and online into new and enhanced services”.
The Home Solutions business enables customers to find and book “trusted tradespeople” to undertake home improvement work and at present is part of JLP Ventures, which devises new customer propositions for John Lewis and grocery stablemate Waitrose. It is being rolled out nationwide.
Opun, which manages large-scale home improvement projects, was acquired by the John Lewis Partnership in June 2018 and has been operating as a wholly owned subsidiary.
Both businesses will come together within the John Lewis Partnership’s services directorate.
John Lewis & Partners services partner and director Sean Allam said: “Last year’s acquisition of Opun demonstrated our ambition in the home services market and today’s announcement marks a critical next step as we look to strengthen and grow our services business.
“Bringing the teams together is an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively, share knowledge and collectively learn in the fast-paced home improvement market and create opportunities for growth.”
Opun co-founder Rod Brown said: “The two businesses stand for the same values – putting customers first and delivering a world-class service. We know there are great opportunities which exist in the home improvement market so it’s exciting to be stepping into the next phase as one business.”
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