John Lewis stores in UK could lose bureau de change service

John Lewis is proposing to close its Bureau de Change desks, including at its Oxford Westgate shop, as part of the shake-up.

The company has cited declining demand as the main factor for the decision, which could also see hundreds of jobs at risk.

Around 200 employees, named partners and the equivalent to 125 full time jobs, are being consulted with regarding the closure at 30 shops.

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It follows a reduction in the number of currency transactions in John Lewis shops as customers increasingly choose to order currency online, use their credit cards or make digital payments when abroad, bosses say.

While all proposals are subject to consultation and no final decisions have been taken, should the proposals be accepted, customers would still be able to order currency online.

As well as being able to arrange home delivery, they would also continue to be able to use click and collect from John Lewis and Waitrose branches.

Additionally, John Lewis is proposing to discontinue its dedicated gift-wrapping areas – which are currently offered in 25 shops and share space with the current Bureau de Change desks.

Offering the gift wrapping in a more accessible way at till point is being explored as an alternative.

The business said that “regretfully” employees are in a consultation period and will receive “full support” throughout the process, John Lewis promised.

Where redundancies are proposed, John Lewis will look to redeploy staff into other suitable roles elsewhere in the business.

A John Lewis spokesman said: “Our customers are increasingly buying the broad range of currencies we offer online, and enjoying the convenience of having this delivered directly 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’ve taken lightly, and we will support impacted partners throughout the consultation process and support redeployment where possible.”