While flexible working remains in place across the business, the shift will affect teams involved in product design, sourcing and store experience -  roles that the business says benefit most from face-to-face collaboration with colleagues, suppliers and brand partners.

A John Lewis spokesperson told TheIndustry.fashion: "A collaborative culture is critical to help create the best product ranges and store environment for our customers and we’re taking steps to encourage team members to spend time together in our offices, our stores, meeting brands and suppliers and balancing this with working remotely,"

The move forms part of the company’s ongoing hybrid approach, which aims to balance remote work with time spent in its new central London office in Pimlico, located a short walk from its former HQ. The recently opened space includes upgraded collaborative facilities and has been designed to support teamwork and cross-functional development.

"We’ve also recruited around 50 new team members to help spearhead our range development and store modernisation – and their training and development is vital to set us up for success," the spokesperson added.

The retailer emphasised that flexible working continues to be available to all employees, with hybrid working still in place for most head office staff. It also noted that the updated approach aligns with broader trends across the retail sector, where in-person collaboration is being re-emphasised post-pandemic, particularly in commercial and product-facing roles.

This follows yesterday's news that John Lewis appointed former Marks & Spencer Marketing Director Anna Braithwaite as its new Chief Customer Officer.

Braithwaite confirmed the move to TheIndustry.fashion following her departure from M&S at the end of May, after four years in the role.

This comes as John Lewis prepares to streamline its Partnership Council from October, aiming to "support more effective decision-making". As part of the changes, the British business will also reinstate local Forums, ensuring every site, branch, and area is represented by an elected Forum member to "foster closer engagement with local business leaders".