In a surprising turn of events, John Lewis has made the decision to halt non-UK online orders, just as it prepares to reopen its stores in England. This shift comes as the country approaches the end of the Brexit transition period, leading to increased costs for shipping goods to the EU.
International orders have been a popular choice for customers both abroad and Britons living outside of the UK. However, according to reports from The Times, John Lewis will no longer be accepting orders from foreign countries starting December 9 due to the high costs associated with fulfilling these orders. This move has caused concern among some senior staff members who question the rationale behind this decision.
Although international sales only make up a small portion of John Lewis’s total turnover, with a recent decline to £10.6 million last year, the company has also seen its operating profits abroad decrease by over 10% to £2.1 million. A spokesperson for John Lewis explained, “As part of our Partnership Plan for the next two years, we have made the decision to prioritize serving our local UK customers by focusing on areas of the business that cater to their needs. Therefore, we have chosen to discontinue international expansion.”
It is rare for a retailer of John Lewis’s stature to stop international shipping, but it seems the company is committed to concentrating on its UK customer base amid the uncertainties posed by Brexit. This strategic shift indicates a clear prioritization of the domestic market over global expansion for the retail giant.
For more information on John Lewis’s latest developments and updates, visit the official website here. If you’re interested in learning more about the impact of Brexit on UK businesses, check out this insightful article here.
