John Lewis is investing £20m to fully transform its Glasgow store in Buchanan Galleries into an exciting retail destination full of discovery, multi-sensory experiences, complete with the John Lewis expert guidance to help and inspire customers

It is the biggest single-store investment the company has made for over five years and underscores John Lewis’s long-term commitment to the city and its customers.

The extensive refurbishment begins with the lower ground floor, with work starting next week. Over the next year, every corner of the 28,000 square metre store will be upgraded to bring the best brands and elevated experiences to Glasgow customers. The store opened in 1999 and employs over 300 Partners.

The investment is part of the John Lewis’ wider £800m transformation plan and will be completed in phases, with the full store ready in spring 2027. The upgrades are strategically designed to improve the customer experience and respond to changing customer expectations, specifically the growing demand for inspiration, Partner expertise, and a seamless cross-channel experience.

The store will remain open throughout the entire refurbishment, ensuring customers can continue to shop and experience the new departments as they land.

The lower ground floor will be the first full floor to complete, with an exciting new Technology and Sports floor scheduled to be fully in place by late September. Menswear and Home follows, with the build due to finish mid-November. The new Gift Emporium and Women’s Fashion will be ready to welcome customers in March 2027, and the new Beauty and Fragrance Halls will be finished by late Spring 2027.

David Sharp, Head of Branch for John Lewis Glasgow, said: “This is the most exciting news for our store, for Buchanan Galleries, and for the future of retail in Glasgow. Our multi million pound investment is about more than just a refurbishment; it’s about creating an amazing and inspirational shopping destination for Glasgow which will set a new standard for retail in Scotland. We’re excited to have work start next week, and we will continue trading throughout the refurbishment.”

Kathy Murdoch, Centre Director for Buchanan Galleries, said: “We welcome John Lewis’s £20m investment in its store in Glasgow, a powerful vote of confidence in the city. It complements our own plans for Buchanan Galleries, where we are investing to enhance the retail and leisure offer, create new experiences, and support Glasgow’s continued growth as a leading UK destination. The centre will be open and trading as normal throughout, and we look forward to seeing the new store take shape.”

Tom Arthur, Minister for Business and Fair Work, said: “This major refurbishment plan is exciting news for John Lewis customers as well as being a welcome statement of intent that will support and enhance Glasgow city centre’s reputation as a shopping destination.

“I look forward to this being a catalyst to help drive further footfall and investment across the city centre and the Scottish Government will continue to work closely with local retailers and other businesses to help drive further investment and innovation across the city centre.”

Glasgow City Council leader, Susan Aitken, said: “This is brilliant news for Glasgow and for our standing as one of the UK’s best performing retail destinations. And also, for everyone from across the west of Scotland who loves the John Lewis brand and experience. John Lewis has been one of the city centre’s key shopping attractions for almost 30 years and this huge vote of confidence in Glasgow’s retail sector will, I’m sure, guarantee it continues to be for at least another 30.”