# John Lewis Partnership losses more than double in tougher trading

By Susannah Streeter — 2026-09-10

Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club, believes shoppers’ tighter budgets and the UK heatwaves have impacted John Lewis after its losses more than doubled.

She said: “The going has got tougher for John Lewis as it’s squeezed by challenging consumer behaviour. Sales fell two per cent to £2 billion in the six months to August 1, despite revenues across the wider Partnership rising two per cent, helped by Waitrose.

“Shoppers are becoming increasingly cautious about big-ticket purchases, while extreme heat also kept people away from heading out on big shopping sprees.

“While the soaring temperatures over the summer might have boosted online sales of fans, outdoor goods and picnic treats, it made shopping a less attractive hobby as households found ways to cool off instead.

“When they did want to browse online or in-stores shoppers, with increasingly tight budgets, have been choosier, looking for bargains or discount sites for a retail fix.

“The department store concept is clearly past its prime. In its heyday, department stores sat at the head of the high street table, but their dominance has been eroded by more agile players, quicker to spot trends and more competitive on price.

“Shoppers now demand a bigger experience than five floors of goods with the odd demonstration and cafe thrown in, and John Lewis is struggling to demonstrate its relevance in the new retail landscape.”

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