Evaluation

Main ready to wear: John Lewis &Partners own brand, Oasis, Kin, Modern Rarity, Boden, AND/OR, French Connection, Jolie Moi, Karen Millen, Levis, LK Bennett, Lily and Lionel, Yumi, Mint Velvet, Jigsaw, Phase Eight, Pure Collection, Ted Baker, Warehouse,Fenn Wright, Four Seasons, Thought, Hobbs, WhiteStuff, Whistles. The average price is £70, this is a mid-high price point, more expensive than a typical highstreet however the brands in the range are mid-range price, and the typical John Lewis customers would afford the products.

Diffusion collections; Collection WEEKEND, Mamalicious, Max Studio,PATTERNITY+ John Lewis, TOAST + John Lewis, chesca. . The average price is £30, this is considerably less than the main collection, however the collections are often for a smaller market; eg expecting mothers, plus size

Accessries and others: DAY et, J Crew, hush, Mulberry eyewear, Ted Baker, Clarks, Wacoal, White Stuff, Michael Kors, Coach, Radley, DKNY, DUNE, Jigsaw, Kurt Gieger, Katie Loxton, Karen Millen, Liberty London, Matt & Nat, LK Bennett.

The average price is £20, this is the most affordable section, however there are mid-high price products as well as low priced. brands like mulberry and Coach are priced over £100. Modern Rarity draped striped dress £120

Mamalicious nursing dress £45

DAY ET day Gweneth Punch Backpack Leopard £80

sustainability

Policies

Source and Sell with integrity: John Lewis and Partners source quality products from the UK and abroad working with the agents and contract workers. Suppliers are monitored in accordance to the Responsible Sourcing Code of Practice based on the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative)

JLP are working on reducing plastic waste particuarly from hangers and recently introduced new carrier bags made from 70% recycled material, click and collect carrier bags also contain a minimum of 50% recycled content.

Targets for reducing waste 100% of our own-brand timber and paper products will be from responsible and sustainable sources by year end 2020/21. 2017-2018: by volume 53%* by count 32%*

Divert 100% of waste from landfill by year end 2020/21 2017-2018: 99%

75% operational waste to be recycled by year end 2020/21 2017-2018: 68%

100% closed-loop recycling of cardboard, plastic & glass by year end 2020/21 2017-2018: under review

By year end 2020/21 we will achieve a 65% reduction in carbon intensity (tonnes per £m) against a 2010 baseline -69.6 % 2017 -JLP website

JLP works with retailer groups such as Stronger Together and the Food Network for Ethical Trade. The Waitrose Foundation supports workers in communities in Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and recently Costa Rica. The foundation aims to move into 12 countries by 2020.

JLP has a scheme where customers bring in old sofas, a first non-profit service. The old sofa is collected from the homethen re used or recycled in partnership with local charities, the aim of helping the disadvantaged. Approximately 2,000 sofas have been reused 2018.

Another scheme is the appliance disposal service where electrical waste and equipment is collected and if possible reused, put to good use or recycled responsibility. Approximately 300,000 items were collected where 27,000 were reused (2017/2018)

Overview: I think overall JLP are good in terms of dealing with impacts of the environment. The schemes they have set up are clever and easy for the customer to access. Also, from looking at the targets for reducing waste there are clear attempts and a concern for the environment, JLP is motivated to do better in the future.

My criticism is to engage more with customers in regard to helping with environmental issues and offering information about it. Increase campaigns and informing why they are important. Programmes like Blue Planet are increasing understanding of sustainable issues in the older market, a good opportunity would be to start an sponsorship with Blue Planet.

Evaluation

To avoid the demise of the department franchise, John Lewis need to quickly react to changes in the retail industry which has been the key to its success. In terms of “seamless shopping” John Lewis need to ensure that the customer service online is just as good as in store. Looking online I found many negative comments and complaints about delivery, product quality and customer service online. This reflects badly as there are no responses from JLP online to these complaints, and it is very likely that customers will click on the reviews before purchase. They should revise customer service, ensuring all staff are fully trained and informed on products and services.

The partnership is a great idea and is working well as many regard Waitrose as a good quality service, so this helps elevate the overall image. However “the never knowingly undersold” policy is not working as this puts the business at a disadvantage, as online will always be cheaper with discounts and sales, all retailers will strive to compete with this. I also suggest establishing a Unique Selling Product; in the past John Lewis was known for selling good quality fabrics from the transitioning of a small silk drapery business. There is a gap in the market for this, so a good opportunity would to have an ad campaign reminding the audience of the history in fabrics and drapery and release new lines.

John Lewis tend to have loyal customers of an older age who prefer traditional styles to modern, so this should be kept in regard. However, to attract modern customers JLP should consider introducing more in store technology and services to stay fresh in the mind of the consumer and to keep up with competition. Also to increase social media presence and respond to complaints and comments on platforms like twitter and facebook as this is where a majority of the customers will go to voice their thoughts. John Lewis should consider linking with younger brands in their clothing lines as many of the clothing are safe and aimed for the older consumer, but also expand upon the mature market as there is a gap in the market for those over 70, a brand could be introduced to cater this.

References:

Diffusion of Innovation Theory: https://www.ou.edu/deptcomm/dodjcc/groups/99A2/theories.htm Employee ownership: https://employeeownership.co.uk/case-studies/john-lewis-partnership/ Values: https://www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk/about/our-values.html https://www.johnlewis.com/ps-paul-smith-suede-biker-jacket-grey/ p4075158 Helen Mclinden https://www.arnotts.ie/brands/helen-mcalinden/ Modern Rarity https://www.johnlewis.com/brand/modern-rarity/_/N-1z086j8 Phase Eight https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjN_uuh5P_hAhUBDGMBHa8DBpMQjB16BAgBEAM&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww. easyfundraising.org.uk%2Fretailer%2Fphase-eight%2F&psig=AOvVaw3qiMQc5WQQgE7kVDfo4luS&ust=1556987392222115 Mamalicious https://www.johnlewis.com/mamalicious-gail-lia-maternity-and-nursing-dress-salute/p3969649