180 Jobs Boost for Exeter

John Lewis today announced it will open a John Lewis at home shop in Exeter City centre boosting local employment with the creation of around 180 new jobs.

The retailer will invest £8.5 million in the John Lewis at home shop that will focus exclusively on furniture, furnishing accessories, electrical and home technology.

The 67,000 sq ft shop with 42,000 sq ft selling space will be located in the former Debenhams department store building on Sidwell Street owned by Land Securities.

Head of Format Development Tim Harrison speaks to Heart: LISTEN HERE

The shop is scheduled to open in autumn 2011.

Derek Phillips, Chair of Exeter Chamber of Commerce gives us his reaction: LISTEN HERE

The iconic building has been vacant for three years and the intention is for John Lewis at home shop to occupy five floors of the former Debenhams building with the remainder being made available to another occupier.