Summary

John Lewis Watford to close permanently - live updates

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  • Watford town centre has suffered another huge blow after John Lewis announced this morning its historic store will not be reopening.
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  • John Lewis is closing eight stores – including two of its major department stores in Watford and Birmingham.
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  • The company says the eight closures will “secure the business’s long-term future and respond to customers' shopping needs”.
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  • Prior to the pandemic, John Lewis says the eight shops identified were already financially challenged and the pandemic has accelerated the switch from shopping in-store to online.
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  • The Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, says the closure of John Lewis is “incredibly sad news” and said his thoughts are with staff who are affected.
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  • Mr Taylor also revealed that John Lewis does not pay any rent at its Watford store.
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  • The closure of the 140-year-old John Lewis store, formerly Trewins, comes a month after Debenhams shut.
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  • Intu, which operates the Watford shopping centre, is also in administration.
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  • For more reaction and information about the closure, see our live blog updates below.

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