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John Lewis has formally closed one of its major UK distribution centres after more than 40 years as the retailer accelerates investment in automation technology.
The Blakelands national distribution centre in Milton Keynes has long formed part of the retailer’s logistics network, supporting operations across John Lewis department stores and Waitrose supermarkets.
The closure was confirmed by John Lewis & Partners head of operations Sarah Payne, who described the move as a “bittersweet day” for the business.
“It is a bittersweet day as we formally complete the closure and final handover of the Blakelands national distribution centre,” she wrote on LinkedIn.
“This site has been a key part of our distribution network for over 40 years, and we extend a sincere thank you to the entire Blakelands team for their incredible contributions, hard work and resilience.”
Why has John Lewis closed the Blakelands distribution centre?
The retailer said the closure forms part of a wider transformation programme focused on automation and modernising its supply chain operations, reports Retail Gazzette.
Investment is now being concentrated on Magna Park 3 in Milton Keynes, where John Lewis is developing new automated logistics capabilities.
Payne said: “While it is always sad to close a long-serving building, this move marks an exciting new chapter for our network.
“The closure is part of a move for groundbreaking automation development in Magna Park 3. This investment is key to future-proofing our operations and enhancing efficiency.”
She added that most affected staff members had secured alternative roles within John Lewis’ wider distribution network.
“This successful transition is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of all involved, especially the impacted partners,” Payne said.
How is John Lewis investing in AI and digital shopping?
The closure comes as John Lewis pushes ahead with a wider £800 million digital transformation programme aimed at improving online shopping and customer discovery across multiple platforms.
The retailer is extending its partnership with digital commerce platform commercetools, allowing products to appear through AI-powered services including Google Gemini and ChatGPT later this year.
John Lewis has also expanded into TikTok Shop through a 90-day pilot focused on beauty and gifting products.
The trial included the final release of its Mother’s Day Beauty Box, featuring brands including Jo Malone London, Augustinus Bader and Estée Lauder.
Chief digital and omnichannel officer Dom McBrien said: “Our customers are already using AI apps and discovery platforms to find products they love.
“These investments will mean that we are right there when customers are looking for ideas, and being able to quickly and easily buy in a few clicks is a gamechanger.
“We look forward to rolling out these functionalities and welcoming them into our omnichannel mix alongside our own app, website and physical stores.”
TikTok Shop UK head of key accounts Broghan Smith added: “We’re delighted to welcome John Lewis to TikTok Shop.
“As a cornerstone of British retail with a proud heritage, John Lewis represents exactly the kind of quality brand our community loves to discover.”
