The John Lewis Partnership, which operates the iconic John Lewis department store chain, is reportedly preparing to reopen its Oxford Street store in London after a period of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to reports, the company is aiming to reopen the store in June, with a number of new safety measures in place to protect customers and staff.
John Lewis has been closed since March 2020, with the company citing the need to protect its employees and customers from the spread of the virus.
However, with the UK government's roadmap for reopening the high street underway, John Lewis is said to be planning a phased reopening of its stores, with the Oxford Street location expected to be one of the first to reopen.
"We are working hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable shopping experience for our customers, while also protecting the health and wellbeing of our colleagues," a spokesperson for John Lewis said.
The reopening is seen as a significant development for the UK's retail sector, which has been hit hard by the pandemic.
John Lewis is a major player in the UK's department store market, with a range of stores across the country.
Resuming operations at the Oxford Street store could be a major boost for the company, as well as for the local economy.
With the UK government's roadmap for reopening the high street underway, it remains to be seen how other retailers will react to the news.
However, the move is likely to be welcomed by customers and staff alike, as it marks a significant step towards a return to normality for the retail sector.
Author's summary: The John Lewis Partnership is reportedly preparing to reopen its iconic Oxford Street store in London, marking a significant step towards a return to normality for the retail sector.