John Lewis Losses Triple – Lessons for Businesses and Shoppers

The John Lewis Partnership — owner of John Lewis and Waitrose — has reported losses of £88 million for the first half of 2025, almost three times higher than the £30 million loss a year earlier. Sales actually rose to £6.2 billion, but rising costs and new levies have pushed the business deeper into the red.

Why It Matters

Big names struggling shows how quickly costs and external pressures can eat into profits. New taxes, rising wages, and investments in technology all sound positive in theory — but they have to be planned for, or they can put serious strain on finances.

Takeaways for Businesses

• Keep an eye on margins – rising costs need to be reflected in pricing before they erode profits.

• Plan for the unexpected – tax changes, regulation, or sudden cost hikes can all land hard.

• Balance investment with cash flow – growth plans are important, but survival comes first.

• Diversify where possible – relying too heavily on one product, service, or customer base leaves you vulnerable.

Takeaways for Shoppers

For shoppers, the message is simple: even long-established retailers aren’t immune to tough times. That means higher prices or fewer choices are likely, and it underlines why households should stay on top of budgeting and plan ahead for rising costs.

Why It Counts

The John Lewis story isn’t just about one retailer — it’s a reminder that resilience and adaptability are essential, whatever the size of the organisation. Careful planning today is what helps businesses and households alike withstand tomorrow’s challenges.