John Lewis to launch new finance brand

• The ‘John Lewis Finance’ brand will cover the retailer’s range of financial services products and provide a clearer sign-post for new and existing customers
• The John Lewis & Waitrose Partnership Card will have improved functionality and enhanced customer experience
• New customers will be able to apply for and receive their Partnership Card in-store on the same day, a market-leading capability for a European retailer

John Lewis has signalled its commitment to financial services provision by announcing its intention to launch a new ‘John Lewis Finance’ brand.
The newly-formed umbrella brand will encompass John Lewis’ growing range of financial services products – which includes insurance, foreign currency, international payments, the John Lewis & Waitrose Partnership Card and ATMs – and serve as a clearer sign-post for new and existing customers.
As part of the initial phase of the launch in October, John Lewis will introduce a series of enhancements to its Partnership Card. These will include contactless technology for new and replacement cards, a new-look Partnership Card website and the launch of a mobile app that will enable customers to easily check their card balance, points and transactions while on the go.
In addition, new customers will soon be able to apply for and receive their permanent chip and PIN card in-store on the same day, a market-leading capability for a European retailer.
Mike Jackson, Director, Financial Services, John Lewis Partnership, says: “We want all of our customers to know that when it comes to money matters, whether that’s travel, insurance or everyday spending, we can support them with the big events in their lives and all the small moments in between.
“Considering the breadth of our current portfolio, we felt it was the right time to combine all of our financial services products under a single, umbrella brand as we seek to raise awareness and reach out to many more customers, offering them a greater range of products and greater value.”
Over the next 12 months the company’s full range of financial products will be integrated in to a new over-arching John Lewis Finance customer website. The high-street retailer’s finance division has grown to become an integral part of John Lewis in recent years, highlighted by the continued investment into new products and services. The business has rolled out its foreign currency service with the launch of 29 in-store Bureaux de change and a click & collect option for online orders from over 300 Waitrose locations.
Mike Jackson, says: “We believe the trust that our customers have in the John Lewis brand is why we’ve been able to generate higher demand for our financial products and services.
“The launch of John Lewis Finance will reaffirm our position as a trusted alternative to traditional financial services providers and help to ensure John Lewis is on hand for our customers as their lifestyle and financial needs change.”