John Lewis boss full of praise for Chichester store

“We have been open just over a year now and we are absolutely delighted by our store in Chichester,” said Andy Street, the managing director of the national company.

“The shop performed very well in terms of its success.

“We have shops in all the big city centres. Then we look at a map of the country and try to fill in the gaps.

“We have 39 stores now, nine of which are John Lewis at home stores.”

The Chichester store, on the Portfield retail park, opened in April 2012 – and things are going from strength to strength.

“Lots of customers around Chichester already know John Lewis very well.

“It is already familiar. Those who are not familiar tend to be interested in the type of things we sell.

“People spend a lot of money on their homes.

“Customers understand we can’t bring the department stores on the scale we have in London, but we are bringing all the best and you can get everything else online.

“I am really pleased with things here, we have done a great job.

“In terms of what we expected, it is definitely one of our successful shops.

“We have become well established in the community, sponsoring the Christmas lights and a face on the community.

“Customer feedback is incredibly positive.”

The only changes, he said, will be bringing in more bedroom and sofa ranges.

John Lewis employs around 150 people in the Chichester store at the moment, 30 more than it expected to when it opened initially, said Mr Street.

“And we are actively recruiting now on the back of the success,” he said.

Branch manager Claire Dunkason said: “It has been an incredible opening year at John Lewis at home Chichester.

“Christmas was a particular highlight where we outperformed our expectations.”