In 1925, they launched their slogan "never knowingly undersold", explaining that
"If you can buy more cheaply elsewhere anything you have just bought from us, we will refund the difference." Last year they decided to drop this slogan - they felt it meant nothing to today's customers. But now they are bringing it back with a new ad
And they want us to "live knowingly" offering some words of wisdom [and showing how their products help us make good choices] Ten mantras to inform your purchasing...
- Buying once is an act of REBELLION buy timeless pieces that last from JL
- CONFIDENCE is your best accessory JL offers free fashion advice, with no obligation to buy
- Sleep isn't for the lazy, it's for the WISE JL sells quality beds, and bedlinens
- Use the good dishes EVERY day Get homeware that stands the test of time - from JL
- KINDNESS is never wasted - JL cashmere is from the 100% Sustainable Fibre Alliance.
- Spend money on beds and shoes, if you aren't in one, you're IN THE OTHER [ and JL sells both!]
- Nothing should be taken more seriously than JOY JL's tech is top-rated with a market leading guarantee
- Parenting is like folding a bedsheet, no-one REALLY KNOWS how [JL sells car seats and school shoes]
- FEEL GOOD about the price you pay. JL price matches the most coveted brands
- You are your BEST INVESTMENT. JL sells top 25 favourite beauty brands
Part of 'living knowingly' [in my book anyway] is looking after my purchases once I have spent my money on them - and that includes mending and repairing when I can rather than discarding and replacing. So please, John Lewis, bring back your wonderful, well stocked haberdashery department!
What do you think?
So disappointed when our JL opened here in Cheltenham a few years ago and haberdashery was a shadow of its former self. Very happy to have a JL here though.
ReplyDeleteWe have a JL in Norwich, but that recently reduced it's hab'y section to just a few shelves
DeleteLike a lot if other retailers, John Lewis is definitely not as good as it used to be especially in customer service. And I agree about the haberdashery-how can we make our clothes sustainable when you can no longer buy mending materials from them. Catriona
ReplyDeleteExactly!
DeleteI don't equate technology with joy either.
ReplyDelete👍❤️
DeleteI was surprised when I went to JL a few months ago and the material and haberdashery have moved to ground floor. It is tiny and I didn't like it at all. Such a shame as the space they had on lower ground was vast and well spaced. If I want anything now I go to Anglian Fashion Fabrics, always reliable.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you belong to Norfolk Costume &
DeleteTextiles Assoc,you get a discount at AF
We have a JL in Chelmsford (not THAT local to me but we can drive there or get the train in 40mins) and it is lovely. My flute trio played for 3 of their customer events at first. We go there periodically- CBC usually buys something!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, haberdashery (from old German travellingpedlars, 'ich habe das' - 'I've got that'). Whenever I was feeling low, visiting a proper haberdashery just to look, no need to buy, was a way to feel better instantly.
ReplyDeleteOur everyday cutlery is a JL set that was a wedding present from my cousin. 37 years on, it's just beginning to show its age a bit, but I'm glad she was wise and didn't get the similar set from Argos.
ReplyDeleteLynn P
Our cutlery came from Debenhams, its WMF. and still looking as good as new after 45 years
DeleteOh that's brilliant, how did I not realise the etymology of this word 🪡🧵🪡🧵🪡🧵
ReplyDeleteExcellent marketing on their part.
ReplyDeleteHaberdashery and Ironmongery both have suffered from all that is available quickly and easily online methinks.
Alison in Wales x
You are right - why would someone drive all the way into the city, pay for parking, and find they havent got it in stock...when they can order it online cheaper and get it delivered tomorrow?
DeleteOur nearest JL is Solihull which is a good 40 minute drive, and I would have to be desperate to do it. I know I can order online but I like to look and feel the quality of the goods and you can't do that through a screen. We have just had the most tremendous thunderstorm, much needed rain and thank goodness I managed to mow the lawns. Hugs Xx
ReplyDeleteI agree about checking quality when it comes to online orders. No sign of storms here [yet] A beautiful sunny day all day ☀😎
DeleteHaving grown up in the UK, but now living in US, I do miss the days of visiting the haberdashery department. in JL and other stores (e.g. Dickins & Jones and others) when you could find so many sewing and knitting items along with items for repairing things. On my annual visits over the Pond, I always head to hab'dept at JL just for a look around. As you and others have commented, sadly the department has become so small. Very few fabrics in the sewing area (and so expensive). Less wool for sale, too. Gone are the days of the huge selection of individual knitting patterns. These areas used to be so vibrant and busy. I still usually find one or two small items to bring back, but it does make me sad to see them so depleted.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I can't think of a single US department store that has had a haberdashery section for at least the last 40+ years. Fabric and wool shops are few and far between, too. Most of these things are only available online.
That is such a shame!
DeleteJohn Lewis reminds me of my first job in a firm that was situated right over Peter Robinson's at Oxford Circus. Of course many major stores were around there including JL. It was a looong time ago!
ReplyDeleteMany of the 'old' shops have long since disappeared from Oxford Street
ReplyDeleteNo John Lewis stores here, in the US, but, they sound like a very good department store.
ReplyDeleteI used to love going into George Henry Lee's (Part of the JL partnership) in Liverpool. It always felt "posher" than the other department stores (all of which have disappeared). I loved it particularly because it was in two buildings with a walkway between the two - on the second floor, I think, from ladies fashion through to another department. It had creaky floors, and wooden staircases, and character. The new JL shop in Liverpool One is as soulless as all the other shops.
ReplyDeleteLove FD xx
ReplyDelete