Department store giant John Lewis has confirmed that it will close eight of its UK stores.
1,300 employees will be at risk as a result of the move.
The shops identified for closure include travel hub shops at Heathrow and St Pancras, four At Home shops in Croydon, Newbury, Swindon and Tamworth and two full size department stores in Birmingham and Watford.
Last month, Pippa Wicks was appointed the new boss of department store chain.
The former deputy chief executive of Co-op will be in the position in August after it had been abolished last year as part of greater integration of the John Lewis Partnership.
Dame Sharon White, chair of the partnership, which also owns Waitrose, said: “As we emerge from the pandemic there is tremendous opportunity for John Lewis to play an even bigger role in people’s lives. I am confident that under Pippa’s leadership the brand will continue to thrive.”
More follows.
