As John Lewis suffers, is the era of the grand British department store over?
The Express – 16th March 2018
Today’s bargain-savvy shoppers are increasingly hungry for the sort of discounts that can only be offered from soulless units in business parks rather than elegant Victorian buildings with sky-high rents and rates in prime locations.
“Because we are time-compressed the experience of going shopping is no longer so pleasurable,” says brand guru Mark Borkowski.
“Today you might pop into the shop to look at the £4,000 telly but you will use an app on your phone to find out where you can buy it cheapest online.”
Selfridges has stayed ahead by making a £300million investment in transforming its emporia, as well as its online offering.
“The brand has reinvented itself by creating a sense of wonder in the stores,” argues Borkowski