About Us
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The John Lewis Partnership
Partners, not employees
The John Lewis Partnership is the UK’s largest employee-owned business and parent company of our two cherished retail brands - John Lewis and Waitrose, which are owned in Trust by over 74,000 Partners. This means all of our people aren't just employees, they are Partners who all use their voices to contribute to our success. You can find out more about our Partners and our democracy here.
We have....
34
John Lewis shops plus one outlet
329
Waitrose shops across the UK
2
Online stores
2
International sourcing offices
As well as a soft furnishings factory, various distribution centres, three Waitrose & Partners cookery schools, a content production hub, a heritage centre, and our own Waitrose & Partners farm.
A philosophy 100 years in the making
Over 100 years ago our Founder, John Spedan Lewis, began an experiment into a better way of doing business by including staff in decision making on how the business would be run.
Spedan Lewis wanted to create a way of doing business that was both commercial, allowing it to move quickly and stay ahead in a highly-competitive industry, and democratic, giving every Partner a voice in the business they co-own. This combination, so ahead of its time, continues to make us what we are today.
Our Partnership Behaviours
Distinctly Partnership
We’re about co-ownership, democracy, and making a positive impact. We champion inclusion and encourage everyone to move the Partnership forward.
Absolute Clarity
Lead with clarity, transparency, and inspiration, setting clear expectations and empowering others to succeed.
In this together
Work together, serve others, and be true partners, creating a safe and respectful environment where everyone can thrive.
Continuous Improvement
Embrace change, challenge the status quo, and innovate at pace to transform our Partnership!
Brilliant retailer
Serve our customers with passion and foresight, leveraging data and resources to create a sustainable and commercially successful Partnership.
Owning It
Be goal-focused, take action, and empower others to make things happen, ruthlessly prioritising and making decisions at pace to drive success.
The early career experts
Get My First Job is on a mission to inform young people about their options and create effective and efficient routes into training and employment - a mission that started over 10 years ago, inspiring millions of young people across the country during this time.
Whether you know exactly what career you want to pursue or have no idea where to start, there's advice, guidance, opportunities and information to suit everyone.
From apprenticeships to work experience, bootcamps to graduate programmes, they cater to everyone - no matter your starting point.