John Lewis is gearing up to open its online business to 25
European countries. From June, customers on Continental Europe
will be able to shop from JohnLewis.com with tentative plans for
local-language websites, multicurrency capabilities, and further
investment in customer services. The news comes as John Lewis
announced it experienced double-digit growth in the year to 29th
January 2011. Sales performed ahead of expectations, rising 11.9
percent to £3.23 billion. Online, the John Lewis website
recorded a 37.9 percent jump in sales to £538.2 million.
Operating profit was up by 22 percent to £201.2 million,
marking a return to prerecession levels.
The retailer also plans to raise a further £50 million
through sales of retail bonds. The bonds, available to staff and
customers, promise a fixed annual return of 4.5 percent in cash
with a further 2 percent paid in John Lewis gift vouchers.
Share