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Do good, Feel good, become a Partner
At the John Lewis Partnership, we’re not just about business; we’re about building a happier world for everyone. And that starts with our amazing team of Partners (that’s what we call our employees).
Our Partners drive our purpose, and guide us in our ambition to make a positive impact on the world around us.
What makes us different?
Well, for starters we’re employee-owned, which means every one of our 74,000 Partners has a say in how we do things!
At our heart, we’re a retailer and selling products is what we do. However, we are so much more than that.
Happier People
Our business starts with happier Partners. We treat people with fairness, courtesy and respect, and we create a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Partner Stories
Happier Business
We’re a Partnership built on democratic principles, where every voice matters and everyone shares in our success. We believe in fairness, transparency, and doing business the right way, empowering our Partners to shape the future of our business.
Being a Partner
Happier World
We’re passionate about making a positive impact on the world around us. We champion the happiness of our communities, build trusted relationships based on integrity and doing what’s right, and of course, taking responsibility for our environmental impact.
Ethics & SustainabilityWhat we stand for
Where Partners contribute to and celebrate in a successful business, underpined by these values.
Did you know?
From day one of being a Partner, you’ll receive access to our dedicated benefits website/app, PartnerChoice where you can take advantage of 100s of benefits.
Did you know?
From day one of being a Partner, you’ll receive access to our dedicated benefits website/app, PartnerChoice where you can take advantage of 100s of benefits.
Discover more about us
Where it began
A potted history of the John Lewis Partnership, our origins, our passion for retail and how we became the UKs first co-owned retailer.
1864
The start of something big
John Lewis opens a small draper’s shop on Oxford Street, London
1905
Expanding the business
John Lewis buys control of Peter Jones, after he noticed it was doing rather well
1914
Keeping it in the family
John Lewis hands control of Peter Jones to his son John Spedan Lewis
1918
The Gazette published for the first time
The idea with this weekly in-house magazine was to keep Partners informed of how the business was perfoming and any other important notices. It is still going strong today
1919
Dipping our toes into democracy
John Spedan Lewis sets up a staff council and a charitable donation committee
1920
The benefits of co-ownership
Partners receive their first Partnership Bonus in the form of share promises
1929
Wellbeing firmly on the agenda, even back then
Medical service created, 19 years before the NHS, providing free healthcare for all Partners
1937
Moving into food retailing
The Partnership buys Waitrose and a chain of ten shops from Wallace Waite
1940
Grand plans
The Partnership doubles its size by buying 15 branches of the Selfridge Provincial Stores Group
1963
A true pioneer of retailing
Our democratic founder John Spedan Lewis dies
1970
Big news!
Partners receive Partnership Bonus in cash rather than stocks and cash
1979
Recognising Partner loyalty
Six months long leave is introduced to Partners for 25 years of service to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Trust Settlement
2001
Digital growth
Our venture online started with the launch of Johnlewis.com
2016
Meeting our customer demands
John Lewis Magna Park Distribution Centre extension opens, allowing for improved efficiency and customer service
2018
Same name, but different
John Lewis and Waitrose rebrand to John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners
2021
Supporting families
First UK retailer to introduce six months’ equal parenthood paid leave and two weeks’ paid pregnancy loss leave
Introducing our Business Areas
Alongside our recognised brands of John Lewis and Waitrose, we have our financial and property lines of business.
