John Lewis to close eight stores - but Milton Keynes is not on the hit list

Eight John Lewis stores nationally wil not re-open from lockdown, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.
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The department store chain blames online shopping, saying the coronavirus crisis hastened the shift from in-store shopping to online purchasing.

The eight shops to close are in Watford, Birmingham, Croydon, Newbury, Swindon and Tamworth, plus two travel hub shops at Heathrow and St Pancras.

But the department store at the centre:mk will remain open.

John Lewis at the centre:mkJohn Lewis at the centre:mk
John Lewis at the centre:mk

Sharon White, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said: "Closing a shop is always incredibly difficult and today's announcement will come as very sad news to customers and partners. However, we believe closures are necessary to help us secure the sustainability of the Partnership - and continue to meet the needs of our customers however and wherever they want to shop."

She added: "Redundancies are always an absolute last resort and we will do everything we can to keep as many Partners as possible within our business."