John Lewis invests £800m to expand sports departments in 36 UK stores
Barnet’s Brent Cross store will receive a 5,000 sq ft sports and wellbeing department by 2025
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John Lewis is expanding its sports and wellbeing departments across 36 UK stores, including its Brent Cross location in Barnet. The retailer confirmed the £800 million investment will fund refurbishments, with the new departments designed to combine sportswear, wearable technology, and recovery services under one roof.
The redeveloped spaces will measure up to 5,000 sq ft. They will stock brands such as Nike, Brooks, and Patagonia, alongside wearable tech from Garmin and Oura, and recovery products from Therabody. Free gait analysis will be offered to help customers choose footwear and other items.
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Barnet’s Brent Cross store included in rollout
The Brent Cross store is among those set to receive the new department, though John Lewis has not yet announced a specific timeline. The retailer told The Standard that the rollout will begin this autumn, with Oxford Street, Liverpool, Cheadle, and Glasgow stores already undergoing changes.
Peter Ruis, managing director of John Lewis, said the investment reflects changing shopping habits. He told The Standard: “Customers increasingly shop around a goal rather than a traditional retail category. Whether someone’s training for their first marathon, taking up Hyrox or simply looking to live a healthier lifestyle, they want everything they need in one place.”
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Customers increasingly shop around a goal rather than a traditional retail category. Whether someone’s training for their first marathon, taking up Hyrox or simply looking to live a healthier lifestyle, they want everything they need in one place.
Peter Ruis, managing director of John Lewis
What happens next
John Lewis has not confirmed when work will begin at Brent Cross. The retailer said the £800 million investment will be completed over the next two years. Residents can check the store’s website or sign up for updates from John Lewis for further details.
Questions this report answers
+Which Barnet store will get the new sports department?
The Brent Cross store will receive the new 5,000 sq ft sports and wellbeing department. John Lewis has included it in its £800 million investment plan, though no exact date for the work has been announced yet.
+How much is John Lewis spending on the store upgrades?
John Lewis is investing £800 million across 36 UK stores. The money will fund refurbishments, including new sports and wellbeing departments in locations such as Brent Cross in Barnet.
+What services will the new sports departments offer?
The departments will combine sportswear, footwear, wearable technology, and recovery products. Customers will also receive free gait analysis to help them select the right footwear and other gear.
+When will the Brent Cross store changes begin?
John Lewis has not confirmed a start date for the Brent Cross refurbishment. The retailer said the £800 million investment will be completed over the next two years, with work already underway in other stores.
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