There is a reason why John Lewis is one of the most respected and liked shops in Britain and it’s not a complicated one – John Lewis sells good products, in a pleasant environment, served by knowledgeable and amicable staff. Add to that its sensible ratio of quality to price for all its products, and you quickly see why John Lewis retains its rightful crown as the retail world's safe pair of hands.
This large store in the centre of the city offers a broad sweep of electricals, homeware, fashion, gifts, furniture and leather goods, each coming with the reassurance of JL’s nonpareil ‘never knowingly undersold’ guarantee and lenient returns policy. Arguably the strongest selling point is the lower ground-floor cookware and white goods section, where an excellent range of kitchen staples is backed up by exemplary customer service. Well-informed staff will guide you to the right product for your purse, delivery is usually smooth and the after-care service, should you need it, admirable. John Lewis offers one of the most civilised places on Oxford Street to shop – with a commodious food hall stocked with culinary partner Waitrose’s goods (complete with walk-in cheese room), and family friendly services such as home delivery, baby changing facilities and a big café.
Although the much-touted redesign of the ground-floor beauty hall a few years ago didn't quite transform the store into the emporium of style the directors were hoping for, niche lines such as This Works and Bliss, alongside stalwarts Benefit, MAC, Clarins and more have upped the beauty ante. There's also an Elemis spa pod for express facials. Under the auspices of the buying and brand director, Paula Nickolds, fashion at John Lewis is fast becoming more directional, with hipper labels like Day Birger et Mikkelsen being added. The clutch of respectable classics is also still strong with Coast, Jaeger and Fenn Wright Manson among them. Other strengths include technology, schoolwear and a brilliant haberdashery for those knitters struggling to find decent wool.
As featured in the 100 best shops in London
Branches: Stratford City; Sloane Sq (Peter Jones); Wood Street (Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1TE, 020 8547 3000); Brent Cross Shopping Centre, NW4 3FL, 020 8202 6535).