Department store chain John Lewis is to launch in-store spas as part of its £250m investment programme this year.

The first spas – plans for which were revealed last November by Retail Week - will open in John Lewis’s Cheadle and Reading stores this summer and follow a 14% year-on-year rise in the retailer’s sales of beauty products. Treatments such as facials, manicures and pedicures will be offered.

John Lewis managing director Andy Street said: “We are committed to investing in our existing shops, creating the best possible shopping environment for our customers and finding new ways to add to our customers’ shopping experience.

“Thebeauty spa concept is the start of a more holistic service offering to customers, and our investment means we can continue to improve the customer experience by adding new and exciting concepts.”

John Lewis head of beauty and accessories, Amanda Scott, said: “We’re really excited to be launching this concept, which will give our customers the opportunity to experience our beauty products in a more in-depth way.

Along with Cheadle and Reading, John Lewis’s Norwich store will be refurbished this year. Investment will also be made in ecommerce, infrastructure and store openings, including a full-line department store in Stratford, east London, in September, and two Home stores in Exeter and Chester, also in the autumn.