John Lewis Oxford store pushes ‘reduce, reuse and return’ culture
John Lewis & Partners has launched a pilot at its Oxford store focusing on ways in which the retailer and its customers can reduce their impact on the planet.
As part of what could provide a model for its other stores, it has removed 5p plastic carrier bags, with shoppers being encouraged to bring one with them, or buy a reusable one instead.
It will also trial a reusable Click and Collect bag made from 100% recycled materials. One in four orders will be delivered to the shop in these bags. Partners will offer to keep and recycle the cardboard and single use plastic bags used to transport other Click and Collect orders.
In place of bubble wrap the retailer will trial new recyclable wrapping for china and glass products bought in-store. It will also be encouraging customers to bring back any hangers they no longer need, so they can be reused or recycled. Meanwhile, customers booking home deliveries will be offered the chance to select an eco-delivery slot when a van would be near their home.
my John Lewis customers who bring back empty beauty product packaging and pre-loved clothing will be rewarded with gift vouchers. The scheme named BeautyCycle was tested earlier this year and is now being permanently introduced to 36 John Lewis shops which have a Beauty Department.
“Our customers have told us they want us to help them reduce their impact on the planet and that reducing and recycling packaging is key for them,” says Stephen Cawley, Partner and Head of Sustainability at John Lewis.
“Our message that we want customers to take away just the product that they love and reduce and reuse the packaging that they don’t will be clearly communicated throughout the shop. We will listen to customer feedback on this blueprint before deciding what we should introduce to other shops.”
