Inside John Lewis

[10JH]

Did anyone else watch this 3 part BBC documentary on John Lewis? I'd recommend it to anyone interested in business documentaries.

I just finished watching the final episode and thought it was really interesting to see how the company is evolving and the constant pressure it faces. I was surprised at how open the company was to being filmed and the declaration of some key financial figures. Plus it was a good behind the scenes look at how a large company runs and the way they motivate staff.

It showed the company in a really good light and it was money can't buy advertising for them too!

[Banner]

I saw the first one. Was very impressed with the Chairman when he was asked a question he didn't um or err, just gave a very measured and concise reply that couldn't be taken out of context for a soundbite.

How many episodes in the series, I've missed any others.

[Halb]

There are three.


I liked it, and didn't know they were a workers co-op. It will make me choose them over other shops in future.

[Broccers]

Saw the first two and they were pretty interesting.

[0191mark]

I've had a John Lewis storecard since 1995, great service. Once bought a Dyson there which was cheaper than any other high street or retail park outlet, or online retailer.

[Wings]

One of their employees once mentioned to me, that because of his Christian beliefs, he did not want to work Sundays, the management of John Lewis were not only quite acceptable to his request not to having to work Sundays, but also supportive in his Christian beliefs.

[10JH]

0191mark said:

I've had a John Lewis storecard since 1995, great service. Once bought a Dyson there which was cheaper than any other high street or retail park outlet, or online retailer.

Their prices really are competitive. When I was looking at SLR cameras they were the same price as Amazon and they offered knowledgeable, friendly staff who gladly let me try them all out.

For those that watched the 3rd episode - It was great to see how they got a win out of the dixons advert, that the journalist had been to the store, got great service and then found out they matched dixons online price. Still, very clever advertising campaign by Dixons!

[10JH]

All the episodes are on iplayer if anyone wants to see it -

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/search/?q=john%20lewi...

[jimbo65]

Wings said:

One of their employees once mentioned to me, that because of his Christian beliefs, he did not want to work Sundays, the management of John Lewis were not only quite acceptable to his request not to having to work Sundays, but also supportive in his Christian beliefs.

Sorry, but that is a misconception, every employer has to ask if you are happy to work
Sunday.

[jimbo65]

Having said that my wife works for them and they are very good employers.

[JB!]

as an ex-partner...

the "partnership" works VERY well if it is your career, however it didnt work for me as a part-timer untill i went full-time.

partnership discounts on loads and big bonuses are great if your full time an can live with an average hourly rate.

if you know someone who works there, its worth finding out what they can get a discount on for you

[10JH]

Paddy_N_Murphy said:

Small point - but I found it fascinating the continual reference to 'Partners' - never staff, never employees, shop floor etc. Always 'Partners'. Small point, meant a lot to me though on their ethos.

They mentioned that in one of the other episodes. No matter what position, everyone is a partner.

I was amazed at the enthusiasm that the employees had, the enthusiasm of the African security guard was fantastic to see!

[maser_spyder]

Haven't seen the program, but we've always been JL fans. Our nearest is a good 2 hour round trip away, but we wouldn't think twice about making the journey.

The only place I can see they've gone downhill is that they used to have (many, many years ago) a really good silver service restaurant in the Southampton store (Tyrrell & Green). Then they moved to a big new shopping centre elsewhere in town and it became a self-service (albeit very good) restaurant.

I liked the silver service. Boo.

[rfn]

Myself and many other Partners will be rather appreciative of this years bonus which goes into our bank accounts today. 8 weeks pay (ish) isn't too bad for a business that has had the toughest 18 months in its history.

The programmes were interesing, certainly!

[FamilyGuy]

On the surface I'm not sure many businesses would expose themselves so much - but on the other hand I think this transparency and openness is JL's point. And by ethos I think they've thoroughly claimed M&S land. I've found them up with the best on value too so I reckon they are a store we'll see do well.

Edited by FamilyGuy on Thursday 25th March 01:04

[Lancs Jag Boy]

I shopped with them in Newcastle just the other week. I had fogotton just how good the product and service offering was. Competitive prices as well. It's just a shame that I live no where near a JL. More stores please.

[SkinnyBoy]

Lewis's kept us dressed for years as kids. George Henry Lee in Liverpool always had the air of Grace Brothers that new stores fail miserably at.

[Nolar Dog]

10JH said:

All the episodes are on iplayer if anyone wants to see it -

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/search/?q=john%20lewi...

Bookmarked to watch when I get back to UK. Thanks!

[Halb]

I think the nearest near me is the Traff centre...time for a trip methinks

[Deva Link]

Halb said:

I think the nearest near me is the Traff centre...time for a trip methinks

Depends where in Cheshire you are - Cheadle Royal or the new shop in Liverpool ONE might be nearer.

The Cheadle store is a great place for MILF spotting and the car park must contain half the Porsches ever imported into the UK.