Home design, style studios and a beauty concierge service are among the new range of services and experiences that John Lewis Edinburgh has revealed today (14th October) as it confirms plans for the final phase of its £24m refurbishment.

The overhaul and reconfiguration of the entire 160,000sq ft shop will see improvements being made to a host of departments alongside a variety of exciting new additions.

John Lewis says the opening of the St James Quarter alongside its own multi-million pound investment will provide a major boost to the city’s businesses and will create excitement among shoppers, while offering a safe environment in which to shop.  The store is expected to unveil its completed new look in April next year to coincide with the opening of the St James Quarter.

The finalised refurbishment will boast a variety of new features and services, including:

The World of Design – Home stylists will offer free 15 minute drop-in appointments to help customers design an instant home makeover. There will be inspiring room sets so customers can visualise how the latest furniture can be styled with lamps, rugs, bookshelves to create a stylish new room. Customers can also create a bespoke magnetic moodboard with samples of carpets, wallpaper and fabric, to make it easier to remodel their home. Home design stylists can also visit customers at home to help them completely remodel their kitchen or living spaces.

Beauty Society – A free beauty concierge-style service where customers will be able to seek independent advice across the full range of brands and products. They will also be able to book in for a variety of services and consultation appointments.

Style Studios – One-on-one personal styling appointments for women will be available. Customers will be able to choose their personal stylist and select from one of the five appointments: from a wardrobe refresh to helping find the perfect pair of jeans.  Men’s personal styling services will also be available, including a dedicated styling space.

Shops within the shop – Iconic brands, including Edinburgh Gin, Hotel Chocolat, Neom, Kurt Geiger and Longchamp and Coach will have their own dedicated areas within the store offering products which are exclusive to John Lewis.

Bigger departments and more brands – The womenswear, menswear, beauty and women’s accessories departments will all increase in size offering a much wider collection of brands.

John Lewis Opticians – Offering expert advice and a collection of more than 500 glasses to choose from in store, John Lewis Edinburgh will be just one of three UK John Lewis shops where the World of Design and Beauty Society will be available – and is the first time they will be available in one of its three Scottish shops.

Barry Blamire, Head of Branch for John Lewis Edinburgh, said:  “Despite these challenging times, the investment we are making combined with the opening of the St James Quarter next year means there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of retail in the city. It also underlines the important role our shops continue to play alongside our growing online business.

“We want to give shoppers more reasons than ever to come to the shop and the city centre, while knowing they can do so safely.  The new look store will be designed to not only offer a superb selection of products, but provide outstanding experiences and inspiration for customers, which give a sense of occasion when they visit.

“Whether they’re looking to transform their living room with The World of Design or find the perfect outfit for a special occasion with the help of our expert personal styling Partners, customers can access a new level of personalised shopping instore.”

Photo Credit: PAIL MACBRIDE