Shoppers Flock To Opening Of London's First John Lewis At Home

SHOPPERS FLOCK TO OPENING OF LONDON’S FIRST JOHN LEWIS AT HOME
 
London’s first John Lewis at home shop got off to a flying start today when it opened on the Purley Way in Croydon, with the retailer reporting strong sales during the first few hours of trading. The new shop saw a queue of 300 shoppers snaking around the car park ahead of the 10am opening.

John Lewis at home Croydon branch manager, Glynis Gunning-Stevenson, said: “Opening day has been a fantastic experience for the team and it is rewarding to welcome so many customers to our new shop. Our first customer travelled all the way from Haywards Heath early this morning to furnish her new home.”

John Lewis at home Croydon is the second branch of the retailer’s exciting new format, which focuses exclusively on furniture, furnishing accessories, homeware, electrical and home technology - and the first for London and the South East.

The first item to be sold was a Union Jack design door-stop. Kitchen gadgets and bakeware, particularly cake tins, were a big hit and technology proved popular with iPods and iPads selling well and one HD TV sold every 20 minutes. By lunchtime enough cushions to stretch the length of the Purley Way had sold, with the LOVE design and skull and cross bone design especially popular.

Customers looking for a relaxing breather between browsing and shopping enjoyed a variety of refreshments and lite-bites in the café, with 500 coffees sold before lunch. 

Glynis adds: “I’m delighted to report that we’ve had a very successful first day of trading in Croydon and looking forward to the bank holiday weekend. From beds and bathroom accessories to home and kitchenware, living room furniture and lighting, we are confident that there's something to cater for everyone - whether they're looking for the latest technology or bespoke interiors ranges from some of the country's leading designers.”

The ‘click and collect’ service was well received, with more than a dozen customers visiting the shop today to collect products ordered online last night. Shoppers can also use computer kiosks in-store to order from the full John Lewis online assortment and collect at the branch the next day or opt for home delivery.