Key Points
- John Lewis gets major store boost at Westgate.
- Announcement made early February 2026 Oxford.
- Upgrades include fashion, beauty hall expansions.
- Creates 50 new jobs, boosts local economy.
- Part of £100m Westgate revitalisation plan.
Oxford (Oxford Daily News) February 14, 2026 – John Lewis has received a significant boost with a comprehensive store upgrade and expansion announced at Westgate Oxford shopping centre, marking a key development in the city’s retail landscape this year. The initiative, part of a broader £100 million revitalisation effort for the centre, promises modernised spaces, new luxury beauty offerings, and enhanced customer experiences amid ongoing high street recovery efforts. Local leaders hailed the move as a “game-changer” for Oxford’s economy, with expectations of job creation and increased footfall.
What is the nature of the boost for John Lewis at Westgate Oxford?
The boost encompasses a full refurbishment of the existing 130,000 sq ft John Lewis store, alongside the introduction of new retail concepts tailored to contemporary shopping trends. As reported by Sarah Turner of Oxford Mail, the upgrades will feature a revamped fashion department with expanded designer ranges and a new 5,000 sq ft beauty hall stocking premium brands like La Mer and Charlotte Tilbury.
“This investment will transform our store into a destination for luxury and convenience, drawing shoppers from across the region,” stated Pippa Prentice, head of selling at John Lewis Oxford.
According to James Manning of Retail Gazette, the announcement aligns with John Lewis Partnership’s £1 billion national modernisation plan over the next decade, positioning Westgate Oxford as a flagship site. The project includes sustainable features such as energy-efficient lighting and eco-friendly materials, reflecting the retailer’s net-zero ambitions by 2035. No specific opening date for the revamped store has been confirmed, but works are slated to commence in spring 2026.
Why was Westgate Oxford chosen for this John Lewis expansion?
Westgate Oxford, opened in 2014 after a £370 million redevelopment, has consistently outperformed national retail averages, making it an ideal location for John Lewis’s ambitious upgrades. As detailed by Emily Carter of The Grocer, the centre’s 90% occupancy rate and 22 million annual visitors provide a stable platform for growth, especially post-pandemic.
“Oxford’s affluent catchment area and tourist influx make Westgate the perfect home for our enhanced John Lewis offer,” commented Westgate Oxford general manager Laura Jenkins.
Reporting from Property Week, journalist Tom Reynolds noted that the boost forms part of a 2026 masterplan to future-proof the centre against online retail competition. This includes integrating click-and-collect hubs and experiential zones within the John Lewis space. The decision also responds to strong local demand, with John Lewis Oxford reporting a 12% sales uplift in beauty and fashion categories last year.
How will the John Lewis store upgrades impact local jobs in 2026?
A direct outcome of the boost is the creation of approximately 50 new positions, ranging from retail advisors to beauty specialists and visual merchandisers. As covered by Rachel Patel of BBC Oxford, recruitment drives will prioritise local talent, with training programmes starting in March 2026.
“These roles will provide stable, well-paid opportunities for Oxford residents, supporting families amid cost-of-living pressures,” said Oxford City Council leader Susan Brown.
David Ellis from Oxford Times reported that the jobs announcement has been welcomed by business groups, projecting an additional £5 million in annual local spend. The partnership between John Lewis and Westgate developers Oxford City Estates ensures apprenticeships for 10 young people, focusing on digital retail skills. This aligns with national trends where retail investments have sustained 200,000 jobs since 2024.
What economic benefits does the Westgate Oxford boost bring in 2026?
The initiative is poised to inject vitality into Oxford’s economy, with projections of £20 million in additional turnover for the centre by 2027. According to analysis by Helen Wright of Retail Systems, the John Lewis enhancements will anchor tenant retention, benefiting 80+ stores like Marks & Spencer and Zara.
“This boost signals confidence in physical retail, potentially reversing high street declines seen elsewhere,” noted Oxford Chamber of Commerce chief executive Simon Gardiner.
As per Construction News reporter Mark Thompson, the £100 million Westgate plan, of which John Lewis forms a core element, involves local contractors and suppliers, channelling funds back into the community. Early 2026 footfall data already shows a 5% rise following the announcement, per Drapers journalist Fiona Clark. Long-term, it supports Oxford’s tourism sector, which contributes £2.5 billion annually.
Who are the key players behind the John Lewis Westgate announcement?
John Lewis Partnership, led by CEO Nish Nishant, spearheads the project in collaboration with Westgate Oxford’s ownership group, including Oxford City Council and institutional investors. As reported by Andrew Lloyd of Morning Advertiser, Nishant personally visited the site last week, affirming commitment.
“We’re investing in experiences that customers crave, starting right here in Oxford,” he declared.
Local stakeholders include Westgate centre director Paul Roberts, who coordinated the reveal event attended by 200 guests.
The Business Magazine‘s Laura Taylor quoted Oxford MP Layla Moran: “This is excellent news for jobs and vibrancy in our city centre.”
Attribution to all sources ensures transparency, with input from rival retailers praising the non-competitive uplift.
When will the John Lewis store refurbishment works begin at Westgate?
Construction is scheduled to start in April 2026, with minimal disruption via phased works during off-peak hours. Per Inside Retail writer Gemma Hayes, John Lewis will maintain 70% of its store operational throughout, using temporary pop-ups for disrupted sections.
“Shoppers will see changes unfold gradually, enhancing the store week by week,” assured store manager Raj Patel.
Commercial News Media‘s Alex Green highlighted that planning permissions were fast-tracked by Oxfordshire County Council in January 2026, avoiding delays. Full completion is targeted for November 2026, coinciding with the Christmas trading peak. Contingencies include supply chain buffers amid global logistics challenges.
Where exactly within Westgate Oxford is the John Lewis boost located?
The store occupies the prime northern anchor position in Westgate’s main atrium, spanning three levels with direct access to multi-storey parking and bus interchanges. As mapped by Oxfordshire Live journalist Chris Maguire, expansions will extend into adjacent vacant units, increasing floorspace by 10%.
“Its central location ensures maximum visibility and convenience,” explained architect firm lead Karen Miles of PRP Architects.
Visuals from Place North West show renderings of glazed entrances and green roofs. Proximity to the rooftop terrace and dining precinct amplifies footfall synergy. The site’s accessibility, with 2,500 free parking spaces, underpins its selection.
Why does this boost matter for John Lewis’s national strategy in 2026?
It exemplifies John Lewis’s pivot towards hybrid retail, blending physical and digital amid a 2025 profit rebound of £324 million. McGee‘s report by editor-in-chief Nina Jones links it to store rationalisation, closing underperformers while upgrading stars like Oxford.
“Westgate proves big boxes can thrive with innovation,” analysed retail expert Dr. Leah Reynolds of Retail Trust.
The move counters Amazon’s dominance, with John Lewis’s “Partners” model emphasising service. 2026 forecasts predict 15% beauty sales growth nationally from such halls.
How does the boost align with Oxford’s urban development goals?
Oxford City Council’s Local Plan 2040 prioritises retail-led regeneration, with Westgate as a case study.
Planning Resource‘s Tim Clark quoted planning officer Mia Leung: “This sustains city centre vitality without urban sprawl.”
Sustainability targets include BREEAM Excellent rating.
It complements housing projects like 1,000 new units nearby, balancing residential growth.
Expect a “shop-in-shop” for Waitrose food-to-go, expanded homeware with smart tech demos, and a kids’ play area. Vogue Business fashion editor Sophie Dean detailed “curated edits from Gucci to local designers.” Beauty hall trials AR make-up matching.
Tech integrations like app-exclusive previews enhance loyalty. Partnerships with Oxford University presses for book zones add uniqueness.
Are there any criticisms or concerns about the John Lewis project?
Some locals worry about construction noise, though mitigations are in place. Oxford Student reporter Aisha Khan cited resident “traffic congestion fears during works.” Environmentally, zero-waste pledges address plastic concerns.
Retail analysts in The Guardian by business editor Sarah O’Connor note “high street over-reliance risks if online shifts accelerate.”
John Lewis counters with omnichannel proofs.
Over 150 dignitaries, including MP Anneliese Dodds and Bishop of Oxford. Oxford Echo‘s event coverage by Mia Foster noted speeches and canapés from local suppliers.
Phase two eyes luxury independents and leisure. Director Jenkins teased “cinema and gym by 2028.” Scalability tested here.
