John Lewis offer customers chance to book entire store for private after-hours shopping

John Lewis is launching a private shopping experience to allow customers the exclusive use of one of its stores after hours - for a minimum spend of £10,000.

John Lewis. Picture: Neil Hanna

The department store said the experience would allow customers - either individuals or groups - to book the whole of its Cheltenham store after doors have closed to the public for the day.

The service includes a team of staff on hand to create the “ultimate bespoke shopping experience”.

Customers can create whatever shopping trip they like, from a party for a group of friends to an individual wanting exclusive use of the shop to choose designs and furnishings for their home.

John Lewis said Private Shopping is one of three services launching this week at its new shop in Cheltenham, which opens on Thursday, aimed at creating a more tailored, personalised experience for customers.

The Shopping List experience lets customers bring a list of what they want to a pre-booked appointment and either find the items with one of the store’s personal assistants or relax while the shopping is done for them. The service is free and has no minimum spend.

Customers can also use the free Get My Gifts service which gives them their own “John Lewis gift guru” to help them tick off their Christmas present list.

Peter Cross, partner and director of John Lewis Customer Experience, said: “In an age of rapidly changing shopping habits there can be nothing more special than your own personal shopper.

“Previously the reserve of exclusive boutiques for the famous few, this autumn in Cheltenham, with the help of our army of expertly trained partners, we are bringing the intimacy, luxury and magic of personal shopping to the high street.”