UK retailer offers in-store accommodation to partner community and arts groups

John Lewis is making rooms in its stores available to charities and community and arts groups – and in some cases staff, known as partners, are offering their time and skills to help local communities.

 

The scheme is part of the retailer’s policy of including the wider community in the partnership concept already enjoyed by its staff. 

 

Every John Lewis department store has a community liaison co-ordinator working to build relationships between the store and local community groups. 

 

John Lewis and sister retailer Waitrose also donate to local charities chosen by their customers. Since 2008, Waitrose has given around £8m ($12.5m, €10.2m) to more than 24,000 charities. The group as a whole spent £10.9m last year on community projects.