John Lewis opens Christmas shop and announces seasonal hiring

John Lewis has launched its Christmas shop across the UK, approximately 13 weeks ahead of the festive season. The retailer is offering a range of products including trees, lights, tableware, decorations, and gifts. Early consumer interest shows significant increases in searches for gift tags and stockings, both up by 50 per cent, while tableware searches have risen by 25 per cent.

To support the seasonal period, the John Lewis Partnership has announced the recruitment of over 10,400 seasonal roles. This includes 6,000 positions at Waitrose branches, 2,600 roles within John Lewis shops, and 1,800 roles in distribution centres and the supply chain.

The retailer is also leaning into nostalgia and analogue trends to appeal to Millennial and Gen Z shoppers. This includes a focus on vinyl records, retro technology, and classic characters such as Miffy and Snoopy. Notable items include retro-style tech and various nostalgic decorations designed to encourage screen-free family time.