A major retail group has reported a sharp rise in first-half losses, with pre-tax figures worsening by over 40% as soaring costs and cautious consumer spending weigh on its turnaround strategy. The owner of high-street department stores and a leading supermarket chain cited economic pressures, though its premium grocery brand saw sales growth despite broader challenges. With losses exceeding £120 million in the six-month period, the company faces ongoing financial strain amid shifting shopper habits. Full details on how it plans to navigate these difficulties are available in the full report.
Retailer says higher costs also hit first-half figures as group pursues its turnaround plan, though Waitrose grew sales Losses at the owner of John Lewis and Waitrose widened by more than 40% in the first half of the year as it struggled with higher costs and with shoppers feeling less confident about their money.The John Lewis Partnership, which operates 36 department stores and more than 300 Waitrose supermarkets, said its pre-tax loss for the six months to 1 August climbed to £124m, compared with £88m in the same period in 2025. Continue reading...
