John Lewis losses widen to £124m as shopper confidence dips

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John Lewis Partnership reported a widening loss of £124 million amid decreased shopper confidence and rising costs, despite sales growth at its Waitrose supermarkets. The company continues to pursue a turnaround plan amidst challenging retail conditions.

Retailer says higher costs also hit first-half figures as group pursues its turnaround plan, though Waitrose grew sales Losses at the owner of John Lewis and Waitrose widened by more than 40% in the first half of the year as it struggled with higher costs and with shoppers feeling less confident about their money. The John Lewis Partnership, which operates 36 department stores and more than 300 Waitrose supermarkets, said its pre-tax loss for the six months to 1 August climbed to £124m, compared with £88m in the same period in 2025. Continue reading...