The grand opening of John Lewis Southampton
Edge of modern retailing
John Lewis Southampton opened for business on Thursday 28th September 2000. The absolute epitome of twenty-first century retailing, it was clear that the people of Southampton were blown away by what they saw upon initial entry to the shop. The hard work and a near-on 12 year wait had been worth it.
Offering something for everyone
Offering a number of fantastic customer facilities, including a Place To Eat and a stand-alone John Lewis Cafe and Clarin’s Beauty Studio, something for everyone could clearly be found across the shop’s three selling floors.
Highest restaurant in Southampton
The Place To Eat might even have been the talking point of the opening day’s trading. Not only was it the highest licensed restaurant in Southampton, it was also the Partnership’s biggest restaurant yet. Opening day targets were left in tatters.
The focal point
The new department store was clearly the most striking aspect of the West Quay shopping centre, the focal point of the city centre landscape. Fittingly, the Partnership was once again exemplified as an outstanding creation, spearheading from the front the retail revival of Southampton. And that revival was expected to take the form of almost 14 million visitors to West Quay in the first year. Judging on opening day trading in John Lewis, the target was well within reach.
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Wow……I have just read the history of T&G and JL Southampton (I am a partner at JL Southampton)..I always say that I was “brought up in Tyrell’s” as my mother bought everything there and I was probably in there at least once a week! I am so going to try to get partners at JL (and retired T&G partners) to contribute. There must be so many memories and pictures that must be added on here before they are lost in the mists of time. Thank you for a wonderful website…..now going to head off and explore the other stores
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