John Lewis has announced customers will be able to repair pre-used garments, accessories and a selection of homeware items as part of a trial scheme in five of its stores.
Launching in selected stores from 22 July, the service will accept any brand. The in-store repair trial includes new services such as mending, restoring, and dry cleaning.
The trial will launch in five John Lewis branches: Oxford, Liverpool, Cheadle, Milton Keynes and Welwyn.
John Lewis said the 16-week trial will show what customers want, such as the type of services they’re looking for, the type of garments most repaired, and the demographics of customers seeking the repair service, using a test-and-learn approach.
Commenting on the trial, John Lewis Commercial Director, Kathleen Mitchell, said: “Our customers come to us for fashion and homeware that’s well made and will last – and this just takes that mentality and service one step further.
“We want to help them extend the wear of their fashion items and have the option to bring those much-loved items back to life – whether they are hanging by a thread or just need a simple stitch or two.
“Teaming a new, crisp white linen shirt with a pair of much-loved denim shorts gives our customers the opportunity to extend the lifetime of their favourite wardrobe staples, for years to come.”
John Lewis and Johnsons (part of Timpson Group) have collaborated to launch the in-store repair service trial.
Will Lankston, Managing Director, Timpson Direct, commented: “Alterations have always been one of the core parts of our business and we have been seeing this increase over the past few years as more customers are conscious about the environment and want to repair and bring back to life some of their well-loved garments and accessories.
“Our service is well established within the industry and we have an excellent team of specialists who undertake all our work and take a real pride and passion in all that they do. We look forward to working with John Lewis on developing this service over the coming weeks and months.”
