Bonds Becomes Part of the Partnership

The front cover of the Gazette shows the Bonds frontage, just prior to takeover

The Bonds home computer department in 1983, the pride of the newly refurbished department store

Keeping the Bonds name

On 25 May 1982, it was announced the Bonds would become part of the John Lewis Partnership, becoming the Partnership’s twentieth department store nationwide. The announcement came as a surprise to the people of Norwich. The intention was to continue trading under the Bonds name in recognition of the significance of the firm within the city. This show of respect would enable many shoppers to continue to identify positively with the shop, meaning ultimately that the Partnership could continue to receive their custom.

Refitting

Over a period of transition, the department store was to be fitted out in the manner of the Partnership. Ownership passed to John Lewis on 1 July, although Bonds continued to trade as a separate company until refitting was completed. A week of reorganisation was planned to reconfigure the shop in early 1983. From Monday 24 January, the shop was closed for intensive refurbishment.

On Tuesday 1 February 1983, the shop re-opened as a fully fledged member of the Partnership.