John Lewis asks customers to book shopping slots to avoid Christmas rush
You can book some slots on the John Lewis website now

By Sarah Finley
As lockdown ends next week many of us will be thinking of rushing back to the shops, in order to finish, or even start, our Christmas shopping.
However, with social distancing measures in place still, Christmas shopping will be a different affair. While some shops will have measures in place to avoid contact with strangers John Lewis is asking customers to book before they even turn up.
John Lewis, which has 42 stores around the country, has opened up online booking slots for customers who hope to visit their Cardiff, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh branches - while slots for other locations will open on 2nd December.
A post shared by John Lewis & Partners (@johnlewisandpartners)
A photo posted by on
The new online booking system is a bid, for the retailer, to stop queuing outside the stores and overcrowding.
The slots, which customers can book two weeks in advance, come in 15-minute slots - just enough time to pick up all those last-minute gifts. Customer who turn up on the day can be added to the virtual queue, if there are any free slots, and come back later to shop.
Pippa Wicks, Executive Director at John Lewis says: 'We're excited to reopen our shops in England and we're looking forward to welcoming back our customers to help them make this Christmas extra special.
A post shared by John Lewis & Partners (@johnlewisandpartners)
A photo posted by on
However, she went on to add: "Our priority is to make sure that they are able to shop as safely and easily as they can, whether in our shops or online, while continuing to be delighted and inspired by our Christmas offer.
"While the nation is famous for it's love of queuing, we want to make sure that as temperatures drop, our customers have the chance to do their Christmas shopping in a comfortable, convenient way, however they choose to shop with us.
"Our Partners have been busy making our shops look and feel as festive as ever and we hope that they will bring our customers some Christmas cheer as they prepare for the festive season."
The news comes as M&S reveal they will be closing all their stores on Boxing day - a prime day for post-Christmas sales. However, the CEO said that his staff deserves time with their family over the Christmas period.
-
-
What it's really like to launch a home-delivery business: 3 entrepreneurs share their stories
Home deliveries have become a winning business for these three women
By Kim Willis •
-
Here's how Prince Harry has been tending to Meghan Markle during her pregnancy
Royal experts say he's been fantastic
By Danielle Valente •
-
What it's really like to launch a home-delivery business: 3 entrepreneurs share their stories
Home deliveries have become a winning business for these three women
By Kim Willis •
-
Here's how Prince Harry has been tending to Meghan Markle during her pregnancy
Royal experts say he's been fantastic
By Danielle Valente •
-
Take a peek inside this year's Oscar nominees gift bag
This year's gift bag for Oscar nominees will feature a range of products that help promote diversity, inclusion, and philanthropy
By Rylee Johnston •
-
BBC's new series starring Fleabag’s Sian Clifford looks like our next period drama obsession
Fleabag’s Sian Clifford is starring in a BBC adaptation of period drama 'Life after Life' and we are so excited!
By Laura Harman •
-
Why Netflix Tiger King Joe Exotic and husband Dillon Passage will stay married despite split
The 58-year-old star, who is serving 22 years in prison, confirmed the marriage had ended but has made a dramatic U-turn on divorcing
By Selina Maycock •
-
The Queen speaks both English and French — but are any of the other royals bilingual?
The Queen can speak fluent English and French, but have the younger royals inherited her bilingual skills?
By Emma Dooney •
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton will celebrate two special occasions tomorrow after recent family sadness
The couple are preparing for a special day for their family
By Emma Shacklock •
-
Meghan Markle spoke with the Queen before Prince Philip's funeral, after physician advised her not to travel with Harry to UK
Meghan Markle reached out to the Queen before Prince Philip's funeral last Saturday
By Emma Dooney •