John Lewis proposes major change putting 200 jobs at risk

The retailer has proposed shutting down its in-store foreign currency exchange and gift wrapping services, which could put up to 200 jobs at risk across its stores.

These services are currently available at 30 stores, with the gift wrapping desks located in 25 of those. However, a shift in customer behaviour has led the company to review the offering.

A John Lewis spokesperson said: “Our customers are increasingly buying the broad range of currencies we offer online and enjoying the convenience of having this delivered to their home or collecting it at one of our shops.

“As we focus on modernising this proposition 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 have taken lightly and we will support impacted partners throughout the consultation process and support redeployment where possible.”

Of the 200 staff affected, 125 are full-time employees.

The closures are not yet confirmed, and John Lewis said it is “consulting” with staff before making a final decision.

The proposal follows a pre-tax loss of £21 million in the year to January 31, 2026, despite a 5 per cent rise in sales to £13.4 billion.

The retailer said it aims to offer gift wrapping in a “more accessible way.”