John Lewis customers will be able to bring clothing, accessories and a selection of homeware to be repaired in store in a new trial with Timpson Group owned-Johnsons.
The new in-store service launches today in five John Lewis branches – Oxford, Liverpool, Cheadle, Milton Keynes and Welwyn – and offers repair and alterations, laundry, and dry cleaning with any brand accepted.
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.”
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Timpson Direct managing director Will Lankston said: “We are really excited about working with John Lewis. 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 are wanting 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.”
The department store aims to learn what customers want during a 16 week trial, such as the services shoppers are looking for, the type of garments most repaired and the demographics of customers seeking the repair service.
The initiative forms a part of John Lewis’ circular economy strategy. According to waste reduction specialist WRAP, extending a garment’s life by just nine months can reduce its carbon, waste and water footprints by up to 30%.
Meanwhile, more consumers are looking to repair clothing, with recent research finding that more than a third of UK adults plan to increase household repairs, rather than buying new.
Last month, John Lewis launched a new circular collection across home and fashion, specifically designed to “minimise waste and maximise longevity”. The initial 20-piece circular collection includes pyjamas, babywear, knitwear, mattresses, duvets, and pillows.
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