The firm will temporarily close its 50 department stores at the close of business on Monday due to the outbreak. John Lewis Partnership Chairman Sharon White said: "The welfare of our customers, communities and partners is always our absolute priority. The retailer said over 2,000 partners are already working in Waitrose shops to assist with the unprecedented demand for grocery and other essential goods. It added that "wherever possible" partners will be redeployed to provide additional support to Waitrose and johnlewis.comThe John Lewis Partnership previously announced support for leading charities in the UK as they assist the most vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis. The first John Lewis store was opened in 1864 in London's Oxford Street and the John Lewis Partnership was created by Spedan Lewis, son of the founder, John Lewis, in 1929.

Source: Daily Mirror March 21, 2020 15:33 UTC