John Lewis has confirmed it will close all of its Bureau de Change desks across the UK, a move that puts hundreds of jobs at risk. The retailer, which operates stores in Solihull and Birmingham, will remove 30 travel money desks from its shops, according to Retail Week. Additionally, the company is scaling back its gift wrapping services, which are typically located in the same area as the foreign exchange counters.
Reasons behind the decision
A John Lewis spokesperson explained that customer behaviour has shifted significantly. “Our customers are increasingly buying the broad range of currencies we offer online, and enjoying the convenience of having this delivered directly to their home or collecting it at one of our shops,” the spokesperson said. “As we focus on modernising this service to meet our customers’ changing needs, we’re proposing to close our in-store foreign exchange bureaus as well as our gift wrapping service.”
The company acknowledged the impact on employees. “As a result, we’re regretfully consulting with partners who currently deliver these services. This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly, and we will support impacted partners throughout the consultation process and support redeployment where possible,” the spokesperson added.
Timing and broader context
The announcement comes just three weeks after John Lewis revealed plans to invest £50 million this year across five stores as part of a long-term programme to transform all 36 stores into retail destinations. At the time, Managing Director Peter Ruis said: “Whether customers shop with us online, in our shops or across both, they expect the same trusted advice, service and experience. We're continuing to invest across our estate so our shops reflect the things customers value most about John Lewis - expert guidance, inspiring products and the confidence to make the right choice. These investments are about more than just a fresh look; they are about creating places where customers love to spend their time.”
Impact on stores and jobs
The closure of all Bureau de Change desks will affect stores nationwide, including those in Solihull and Birmingham. The exact number of job losses has not been disclosed, but with 30 desks being removed, hundreds of positions are at risk. John Lewis has stated it will support affected employees through consultation and redeployment where possible.
The scaling back of gift wrapping services, which often share space with the foreign exchange counters, is also part of the shake-up. The company has not specified how many gift wrapping roles will be affected.
