// John Lewis merges Home Solutions with Opun acquisition
// Opun acquired in £3.5m pre-pack deal last year
// The department store will now offer loft conversions and extensions
John Lewis could soon be designing extensions and loft conversions as it expands into home improvement.
The department store group already runs Home Solutions, a booking site for tradespeople.
Last year it acquired home improvement firm Opun in a £3.5 million pre-pack deal.
The retailer will now combine both of those services with what it describes as “a truly differentiated home improvement offer”.
“By creating a 21st century Home Improvement proposition in what is currently a fragmented sector, customers will benefit from an end-to-end home improvement service, which includes inspiration, design, project management and execution,” John Lewis said of the move.
The newly combined Home Solutions will expand its coverage across Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and Kent in the coming weeks.
Opun manages large-scale home improvement projects, including loft conversions and extensions. The business also oversees the design and installation of bathrooms and kitchens.
Since its acquisition by John Lewis, the company has been operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
“Last year’s acquisition of Opun demonstrated our ambition in the home services market and today’s announcement marks a critical next step as we look to strengthen and grow our services business,” said John Lewis & Partners director of services Sean Allam.
“Bringing the teams together is an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively, share knowledge and collectively learn in the fast-paced home improvement market and create opportunities for growth,” Allam added.
“We know there are great opportunities which exist in the home improvement market so it’s exciting to be stepping into the next phase as one business,” Open co-founder Rod Brown said of the move.
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