John Lewis is gearing up for a significant seasonal recruitment drive.
- The company plans to hire 12,500 temporary staff for peak holiday demand.
- This reflects an increase of 4,100 roles compared to last year.
- Recruitment covers both John Lewis stores and Waitrose branches.
- The hiring spree aligns with rising demand for both in-store and online services.
The John Lewis Partnership is initiating a substantial recruitment initiative to accommodate the anticipated surge in shopping activities during the festive period. The company forecasts that 12,500 temporary workers will be essential across its John Lewis and Waitrose outlets, the latter of which is set to contribute significantly to this hiring effort. Compared to the previous year, this represents an increase of 4,100 temporary positions, underlining the group’s proactive strategy.
Charlotte Lock, the Customer Director at John Lewis Partnership, articulated that the roles are essential to maintain the high standard of personalised service that their patrons expect. “Whether making sure you’re choosing the right headphones or wanting inspirational food ideas for entertaining, we know customers value the independent, trusted advice they get from our partners and that friendly, personal touch,” she stated. The company is experiencing encouraging interest in these roles and is excited about the positive reception.
Demand trends suggest strong consumer interest, with Waitrose witnessing a notable 25% year-on-year increase in its Christmas range orders and John Lewis recording a 20% rise in holiday decoration sales. This growth trajectory is expected to continue, driven by both online sales and in-store experiences, hence the importance of the additional workforce.
The recruitment process has already commenced, with 2,000 positions being filled across 34 John Lewis locations. Waitrose is on track to recruit for 7,700 posts across over 300 locations nationally. Additionally, the recruitment extends beyond sales floors, encompassing 2,800 roles targeted at meeting logistical needs, including warehouse operatives and drivers to support the burgeoning online shopping trend.
John Lewis’s strategic recruitment underscores the anticipated retail demand and its commitment to excellent customer service during the peak shopping season.
