John Lewis:Never Knowingly Undersold (John Lewis)

Member Name: ajbluestar

Product:	John Lewis
Date:	30/09/09 (79 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: wide range of quality items

Disadvantages: not cheap

John Lewis is one of the most recognisable and well known retailers inthe Uk with its large department stores. Unlike many large retailers though it is not a public limited company (PLC). This means that all its permanent employees (partners) have a say in the running of the business and also receive an annual profit distribution. The store is generally known for stocking a wide range of items which are of high quality and are also known to be quite expensive so it tends to appeal more to those at the higher end of the market.

The company was founded in 1864 by who else but John Lewis himself who opened his first flagship store in the centre of London in Oxford Street. This is still the largest John Lewis store around. Since the first store opening the company has expanded and currently has 27 stores around the UK with plans to open further stores in the future. The company is known for its slogan "Never Knowingly Undersold" which means that if a customer is able to find the same item cheaper in another shop they will refund the difference.

John Lewis sells a wide range of items which you would expect in a department store. These are split up into different sections and floors for areas for women, menswear, baby and children, sport and leisure, electricals, technology, home and garden and also maybe some others!They also have a website which sells most of the items they will have instore also.

The store is as I said before at the higher end of the market so they do only tend to sell some of the best quality items which means the prices generally are not very cheap. The customer service in store can be expected to be of a generally high standard and people will tend to know about the products they sell which may not be the case in alot of other shops which may be cheaper. You do pay for the quality of service and products in these stores but if you are able to do so it is a great place to shop still. It was actually voted the UK's favourite department store in 2007. I do not tend to shop here so much now as the prices are a bit too high and there are now alot of alternatives. Overall though it is a good quality shop but not cheap!

Summary: a traditional department store