NEWS


June/July 2026 housewareslive.net


John Lewis to invest £50 million across five stores


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ohn Lewis has announced it will invest £50 million across five stores in the latest phases


of the retailers bricks-and-mortar transformation. The company aims to update


all 36 stores in its portfolio, with its Glasgow, Cambridge, Leicester, Reading and Liverpool stores benefitting from the latest investment. Peter Ruis, Managing Director


of John Lewis, said: “Whether customers shop with us online, in our shops or across both, they expect the same trusted advice, service and experience. “We’re continuing to invest across


our estate so our shops reflect the things customers value most about John Lewis – expert guidance, inspiring products and the confidence to make the right choice. These


investments are about more than just a fresh look; they are about creating places where customers love to spend their time. “The response from customers


to the improvements we’ve already made gives us confidence to continue investing for the long term.” Part of its wider £800m


investment, the business aims to cater to “the unique experiences that only physical stores can provide: tailored expert advice, personal styling, and the opportunity to experience products first-hand”. The redevelopment of the 300,000


sq ft Glasgow store will see upgrades across every floor, spanning fashion, beauty, home and technology. The store will remain open throughout the phased refurbishment, which is scheduled for completion in spring 2027.


Leekes to close Bilston store after more than 15 years


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ousewares retailer Leekes has confirmed it will close its Bilston store this summer, bringing an end to more than 15 years of trading at the West Midlands location. The family-owned retailer, which has been in business since 1897, said the store on Bilston High Street will welcome customers for the final time on 2 August. A closing down sale is now underway, with reductions across all


remaining stock as the retailer prepares to exit the site. The announcement comes four years after Leekes invested in


the Bilston store, introducing new branded retail spaces, expanding its garden furniture offering and installing solar panels as part of a refurbishment programme. In a statement, the retailer said: “The closure marks the end of an


era for Leekes in the Midlands. “For more than 15 years, Leekes Bilston has been a cherished destination for homeowners across the region, and the outpouring of affection from customers visiting the sale has been a testament to the fond memories made within its walls.” The company added: “Staff and shoppers alike have been sharing


their stories, reflecting on years of inspired home transformations and the warm, expert service that has made Leekes a household name. “While the Bilston chapter is drawing to a close, Leekes remains as


strong as ever. “Family owned since 1897, this beloved British retailer has thrived


for almost 130 years – and continues to do so.” The closing down sale will continue until the store’s final day of trading on 2 August.


Morphy Richards teams up with Disney+ for The Bear final season M


orphy Richards has announced a new collaboration with Disney+ to coincide with the launch of


the fifth and final season of FX’s The Bear, as the brand continues to promote stress-free cooking solutions for home consumers. The partnership was unveiled at this


year’s Exclusively Housewares trade show, where Morphy Richards showcased a selection of cookware and kitchen appliance innovations designed to meet growing consumer demand for high- performance cooking at home. Inspired by the professional kitchen environment featured in The Bear, the


collaboration positions Morphy Richards as the brand helping consumers enjoy cooking without the pressures associated with professional kitchens. The campaign highlights a broad range of products spanning cookware,


food preparation, coffee and breakfast, as well as entertaining, providing retailers with a timely promotional opportunity ahead of the summer at-home


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dining and barbecue season. David Foulstone, Commercial Director at Morphy Richards, said: “We are incredibly excited to join forces with Disney+ around the final season of FX’s The Bear — a series that has become synonymous with the passion, intensity and creativity of modern food culture. “While the world of professional kitchens can often feel high-pressured and fast paced, Morphy Richards is focused on helping consumers create enjoyable, stress- free experiences in their own homes. This collaboration perfectly reflects our ambition


to deliver innovative, design-led products that make everyday cooking simpler, smarter and more enjoyable.” The collaboration will feature across Morphy Richards’ summer marketing


activity and retail communications, supported by digital, social media and PR campaigns to coincide with the premiere of the final season of The Bear on Disney+.


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