 John Lewis Partnership owns 26 department stores |
Retail giant John Lewis plans to create 35,000 new jobs and double its turnover within the next 10 years. The partnership board of the employee-owned business has signed off on proposals to create a 100,000 strong workforce by 2017.
The group also plans to open at least 10 new department stores and to double sales to �12bn during the period.
A significant increase in Waitrose supermarket stores - from the current 184 branches - is also planned.
Threat to rivals
John Lewis development director, Mark Price, first revealed the expansion plan in the retailer's internal magazine.
"Our aim is to grow the number of loyal customers we have, both by adding shops and expanding our direct capabilities," he said.
The move threatens rival department chains Debenhams and House of Fraser, as well as Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury's, which target upmarket food customers.
The retailer is also expected to announce upbeat results in the next two weeks, following a strong period for the business.
Healthy demand for electrical goods and beauty products helped increase sales 10% in the approach to Christmas.
One-Minute World News 
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