John Lewis plans to hire 12,500 additional staff for Christmas, marking its largest seasonal recruitment effort.
- The company is enhancing its workforce to support the anticipated high shopper numbers during the festive period.
- Seasonal positions include roles at both John Lewis and Waitrose, covering various operational needs.
- The recruitment drive includes 4,100 new jobs across their business units compared to the previous year.
- Customer engagement and enhanced service are key objectives for this hiring initiative.
John Lewis has announced an ambitious plan to recruit 12,500 additional staff members in preparation for the Christmas season. This initiative represents the largest seasonal hiring push in the company’s history. The increased workforce aims to cater to the anticipated surge in shopper numbers during this festive period.
The recruitment campaign spans across the company’s various operations, with significant hiring planned at both John Lewis and Waitrose stores. This includes filling a variety of roles such as supermarket assistants, night shift workers, and customer delivery drivers. The focus is not only on front-line retail positions but also on bolstering their supply chain capabilities with an additional 2,800 roles in warehouse and driving positions.
In a statement, John Lewis Partnership’s customer director, Charlotte Lock, expressed excitement over the recruitment interest, highlighting the value customers place on trusted advice and personal service. ‘Our partners have always been at the heart of what sets us apart,’ she said, underscoring the company’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of customer service during its busiest trading period.
Part of the recruitment strategy involves preparing for the ‘golden quarter’—a term referring to the high sales season stretching from the lead-up to Black Friday through to the Christmas and January sales. By increasing staff numbers, John Lewis aims to enhance the shopping experience, ensuring efficient service and customer satisfaction.
Waitrose, a subsidiary of the John Lewis Partnership, will spearhead much of the seasonal hiring, introducing 7,700 positions across more than 300 locations. This expansive recruitment is in response to the forecasted increase in consumer activity during the holiday season.
This significant hiring push illustrates John Lewis’s commitment to exceptional customer service during peak shopping periods.
