John Lewis

During the last 3 years my view of JL has changed and I like to shop there. They got Bare Minerals and Dior, all under one roof :-). Their goods are of very good quality (well known designer brands in each department), although its not cheap. Good thing is that you can shop all under one roof, which is convenient when it rains. They also offer HOME insurance and you get a £20 gift card. The personell is very friendly and the store floors very clean.

Can I just live here? You know, 80’s movie style, get locked in a department store and have lots of fun adventures, maybe outwit a security guard while riding a child’s scooter around the lingerie department. Please!
So, quite obvious I’m a fan. I love the layout, the cleanliness, the selection the service, the toilets (always good to know where you can pee for free in a city). Where else can you get toys, cleaning products, clothing, large appliances, small electricals, flooring, whole kitchens (and everything you need to go in it), fitness equipment, curtains, light fixtures, door knobs, nik-​naks, fabric, craft supplies… All in one place! This puts all the american department stores I grew up with totally to shame. And not only is there great quantity of goods — but they are of a high quality too.
OK, can be pricey — but they do a price match so you’re pretty safe. And if this store doesn’t have what you need — you can go online and get click and collect from store (can also be to a waitrose which has free parking) or home delivery.
Definitely my go to store in Edinburgh. in fact, can’t remember when I was in any other of the big departments stores (especially since Jenners was taken over). If, you need me, I’ll be taking a nap in the furniture department…

I usually want to roll my eyes at big box department stores like this, especially ones that carry such hefty price tags, but gosh help me: I like John Lewis.
This all happened when I decided that being an adult meant fancy sheets. I’ve been a tried and true, bargain basement Ikea gal since university. I chose my bedding on which package would get me a full set for under £10. But when I started having trouble sleeping, I decided it was high time to invest in proper sheets, duvet & pillows.
I’m not going to say how much I spent at John Lewis on these basics, because it still hurts a little to see that number is writing, but what I will say is: holy bedsheets batman! If all of adulthood was as great as 600 thread count sheets and double duvets, I would throw my Muppet collection out the window and buy a closet full of suits tomorrow. (No I wouldn’t but it sounds good for the review.)
I bought a set of pillows, a double duvet and sheets + pillow cases here and i’m not looking back. It’s like sleeping in a dang cloud.
So yes, this place carries a lot of hefty price tags, but for the big household essentials the quality is there and it’s worth every penny.

I rarely go to John Lewis, not because I don’t like it, more that is normally out of my price range. But when they have a sales its always good to pop in and nose around a bit, Im bound to find something for myself or for a gift. Really nice posh shop, feel like a fancy department store but which some things at reasonable prices, but they do have a fair amount of super expensive items.
I have seen but not eaten at the café they have on top of the restaurant, which has windows all around over looking the city really nice view.

John Lewis is an awesome department store that probably sells that thing you’re looking for (albeit a bit more expensive).
However — the sales are pretty damn good as I’ve picked up some quality items. Some of the things I look for when on sale:
— bedding: duvets, sheets, pillow cases. Sometimes you need to dig around though.
— towels! So big and soft.
— smelly things: soaps, shampoos, candles
— neat gifts: you’ll def find something for your grandma’s best friend
— women’s clothes: JL stock Whistles, Reiss, etc.
— shoes! I got an two awesome pair of heels for +£20! (And they’re were originally £85 each)
— Apple computers /​iPhones /​iPads etc: 3 year warranty!
Also if you join their reward scheme, they will mail you monthly vouchers for free coffee, cake and soup.
The staff are really friendly and helpful too!

Simply put, this place gets all my money.
Every time I stop in John Lewis I end up with less in my wallet than I had before. It’s amazing.
Anyway. I do like John Lewis and so I have made purchases in several departments. The salespeople have knowledge and they will help you find what you are looking for.
However, there is one caveat. You will have to approach them and ask for it. It took me a while to get used to this, but honestly it isn’t all bad. I am left alone generally when I am there until I am ready or have a question to ask about something.
All of my purchases have been good experiences. Their prices are not great on the items I bought, but the quality and the brands I like are there so I can live with that.
The location and layout of the store is good, there are always staff members available, and their hours are decent.
Again. This place has seen my Amex so many times it is frightening. And I am definitely not a «shop ’til I drop» kind of person. So I have no idea. But thank you for relieving me of my money John, I appreciate it.

My favourite department in the department store has to be the haberdashery & fabric department. I mean with some many different fabrics to drool over, especially cotton, it couldn’t get Any better. But oh wait it does, on numerous occasions I’ve asked the members of staff for help and i’ve received it.
Not only fabrics, but patterns ahoy too. and most of the popular ones are in stock.
Each department is well worth a look as it’s not only the fabric department in this store.
I can’t think of having bad customer experience. Ever. I wouldn’t recommend it on a weekend though. WAY too busy for my liking.

I really want to love John Lewis. But I also want a toaster.
Before trekking to the city, I researched toasters on the John Lewis website and made a note of the Russell Hobbs model I wanted. I was ready.
It was midday Tuesday but the kitchenware section was so busy I couldn’t stand still for more than a few seconds without being in someone’s way. I coudn’t find the one I wanted and was told that they only sell Russell Hobbs online… why don’t they mention that on the website? Well, not wanting to go home to cold bread I decided to gamble on a runner up toaster.
I had a £100 giftcard that I’d used just minutes before on a £16 purchase in another department. At the kitchenware checkout, I was told my card’s balance was £0. I showed the clerk my receipt with the correct balance of £84. She had to consult a manager and then make several phone calls to restore my giftcard’s balance. She was very professional and apologetic but it was a bit stressful and I can’t help but wonder what happened.
Finally back home, I took the new toaster for a test run. The bread stuck out the top. Then we tried forcing the bread in sideways which set off the smoke alarm. So now I have to go back to the city and return it.
Lessons learned? If you’re looking for something specific, shopping in-​store is a crap shoot so call before you go. I’d consider ordering online, but their consistently poor delivery service reviews scare me. So now that my giftcard is used up, I think I’ll shop elsewhere.

If you join their mailing list, they send you a book of vouchers to get a free coffee and cake each month. I suppose they want you to see nice things whilst your in the shop and spend money. It is an easy win, love it and I meet friends there regularly for coffee as they have all signed up too.

I wasn’t looking for clothes. I was looking for a toilet. Which John Lewis had and it was very nice.
While wondering I found their cocoa bar where we had a delightful snack and indulged in free wifi. The staff was friendly and knowledgable. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a refuge from the mall crowds.

John Lewis shops are largely similar, but the Edinburgh location is very big and has a lot on offer. I particularly took note of the great haberdashery department. The store has a unique floorplan and layout, but this seems to help it offer lots of choices in each department. A great new addition is the Hotel Chocolate Cocoa Bar — Café: such a luscious little treat that’s more than a usual coffee/​tea shop!

John Lewis is my favourite of all the department stores in Edinburgh. I have been shopping there since I moved to the city 4 years ago and I see myself continuing to shop there.
Yes, there has been a few times when I’ve gotten surly service staff and maybe had to wait in line to pay for more than a few minutes. but for the most part, I have had great service, helpful staff and most importantly… EXCELLENT prices.
I have found many appliances here for cheaper than Argos. and for a lot of the year, they offer a price match service, so if you do find it for cheaper elsewhere (apart from auction sites I assume) and can show them on a website or print out, they will match that price for you. The other thing about buying big ticket items from JL is they offer a 2 year warranty on most of their electrical items whereas most other places you have to pay extra for this. As yet, I’ve never had to use this so can’t say how good they are at honouring it.
Their haberdashery section is great value for money and actually has one of the largest selection of thread etc. than most of the fabric shops around town.
Best thing about JL… you can ride the escalator from outside the Omni rather than walk up the hill to get to Princes St!

I have just moved into my own place, and a relatively bare (but beautiful) flat. I was in need of a new shower curtain. And bath mat. And kettle. And toothbrush holder. And bed sheets. And duvet. And… well, lots of things.
John Lewis is like crack. I went in to pick up my kettle, that I had paid for online for ‘call and collect’. I bought it at 2pm on Thursday, and it was ready to pick up from 12noon on Friday. So that in itself was great service.
When going to pick it up, I realised I was near the bath mats. So I got a bath mat. But oh wait, there’s the Orla Keila ones round the corner. I’ll stand here for 10 minutes comparing two side-​by-​side. Ok, so the Orla one is £10 more expensive. I’ll just get the JL own brand. Oh wait but that hand towel would go beautifully. Ok I’ll get that, since I got the cheaper bath mat. And I will walk STRAIGHT PAST THE KITCHEN UTENSILS or my credit card will just melt.
Read my previous review for glowing praise of John Lewis. I am updating as I have been coming here more and more often for things, and realising that it a savior when you have been packing, moving, unpacking and need to head into town (during the Festival season) and buy a few things. It’s a relative oasis of calm; the call and collect service means you’re guaranteed to get what you need (you order online, and it’ll let you know if its in store the following day to pick up) rather than head down there and realise they’re out of stock. And yeah… when you go to pick that thing up, you end up realising your home is simply NOT COMPLETE without 5 other things.
I think I’ll go back tomorrow.

This is a review of the café on the 4^th floor «the place to eat». It has great views out over the rooftops and the Forth. The staff are really helpful and friendly, the portions are very generous and the prices are reasonable.
They were replenishing the scones at 4.30pm when I went to meet a couple of friends and their babies. The fruit scones were fresh out the oven, huge, light and very more-​ish. So huge that I didn’t need any dinner when I got home.
The banofee tart looked amazing and given how quickly D ate it, it was clearly as tasty as it looked. There was also a baked chocolate cheesecake on offer which I’ll need to go back and try, it looked divine.
If you’re in the St James Centre, it’s definitely worth a visit for the service, cakes and best of all, the view.

John Lewis holds a special place in my heart. it’s one of those great british traditions that despite modernising hasn’t lost its charm and elegance from previous decades. John Lewis is the place that has everything i need, regardless of how obscure it may seem. a spool of bright pink thread, a yard of ribbon, lace, or fabric, a new dress, an ipod, a new camera, even a door wedge. literally this store has never failed me and the best part is that it’s located in a central part of town that’s easy to get to with prices that are affordable and friendly helpful staff that are able to answer pretty much any question you may have.
there are only a few drawbacks that i find to John Lewis. this place is incredibly crowded on the weekends, especially the café, which puts me off going there. i’ve almost been run down by a pram on a few occassions when trying to grab a quick lunch in their café. also they shut at 6pm during the week, which means that if i need something from John Lewis i have to make sure i leave work sharp to get their before its closed. only small things though that don’t detract from my overall love for this shop or its all encompassing usefulness and plethora of items. really, though how could you not love a shop that still has a haberdashery section!

Who doesn’t love John Lewis?
A lot of people probably, they may be one of those mad tax-​dodging multi-​national corporation folk who are destroying the economy. I don’t know and I’m fairly ignorant of such things. Also, I am completely taken in by anywhere that has a haberdashery.
John Lewis has everything. I like to walk around and pretend I have money and make my boyfriend listen to me list all the things I would buy if I could and get excited about silly things like a clock with a duck on it. The layout of the shop is quite nice. No department is too big. If you enter from St. James Centre you’ve got jewellery and teapots, enter from Leith street and you’ve got exercise gear and carpets (I don’t quite get that one) but most of the shop is laid out in a very logical way that means you move through each section quite smoothly.
The staff are all very friendly and frequently ask how you are or open new tills when there’s a queue.
There’s a café too (though I wouldn’t recommend it).

I have only started shopping in John Lewis after having a poor experience when I first moved here, so with that memory in mind, it’s probably going to be awhile before I bump up the rating.
So, the plus points. It has everything you need, seriously. Don’t make the mistake of thinking Argos is cheaper for electrical goods as it turned out John Lewis was. Staff are (mainly) very helpful. I came here for an espresso machine (it’s ok, Dad doesn’t use Unilocal) and after an online search, it turned out John Lewis was quite a bit cheaper than everyone else in Edinburgh. It was also handy for my lunch at Café Marlayne so the plan was to grab the espresso machine and head to lunch.
John Lewis is madly busy, especially before Christmas but I think the electrical dept is just busy full stop. I got what I wanted and joined the queue. Bloody machine weighed a ton and the nice man on the till suggested I collect the machine later to let me carry on with my shopping (ha! boozy lunch but I was cool with the suggestion). He gave me directions on where to go and a special ticket with a receipt which I turned up and redeemed at the collection point 4 hours later.
The sales are good though with many proper bargains to be had. Great cosmetics department with niche and cult beauty brands which can be found in a little section between the counters.
So, I’ve had good experiences here and also with returning a dress which had shrunk despite following the washing instructions *sniff* but I did have a bad experience when I tried to order furniture and take advantage of John Lewis’ free measuring service. That was just a catalogue of disasters so they are still on the ‘must improve’ list.

Everyone knows what John Lewis is and what it’s all about, so this review if for their wedding/​gift registry.
We chose John Lewis for our registry because you can literally get everything here. Literally. From soup to nuts, as my mom would say (though…wtf??).
The registry service is good — I phoned up to get all of the «boring paperwork» as the girl called it, out of the way. A few days later I got a ton of (free) inserts to give people to tell them where we’re registered and what the registry number is. They give you the option of allowing people to donate to charity, which is great, as well as the option to buy gift certificates, and even pay into the honeymoon provided it’s booked by a certain company.
The best part of it all (according to The Man) is the voucher for two free coffees/​teas and two pastries while you shop. The sugar and caffeine was definitely needed.
We arrived at the store reasonably early on a Saturday morning, knowing that the place would become pretty hellish by mid-​day. We got all of the relevant instruction, was told which departments could provide us with additional advice regarding table ware, got our little scanner, and headed on our way.
The scanner was a borderline nightmare, not all items could be scanned and had to be keyed in, and not all codes keyed in properly. Some of the items which should have scanned, didn’t, and some items didn’t seem to have any scan/​code reference at all. Basically, you just have to go in store to really *see* the things you’re registering for, but then you need to polish everything up (and add and subtract items) at home, online. I have no idea how people did it before the internet, it would have been even more of a nightmare.
It’s not John Lewis’ fault, though. They provided the best service they could, but it was just a bit unfortunate that the fun wedding registry afternoon I’d imagined ended with both of us shattered, with something like a dozen items on the list.

John Lewis is definitely one of the St. James’ Centre’s saving graces. As a well-​known national chain, you know that the quality’s going to be good, even if you do have to pay for it. They have everything from laptops to designer mascara, and everything in between, so it’s always a good place to start when you’re on the hunt for something obscure.
I’ve only ever come across staff that are really helpful and polite here, and more than anything they know what they’re talking about. When I went to buy my last ipod i felt like such an old woman, because at the ripe old age of 21 I didn’t have a clue what all the different models were… when I’d bought my previous one the only choice had been between silver, pink, blue or black!
Nevertheless the guy who served me was very patient with me (!) and I ended up coming home with exactly what I’d known i was after, even if I hadn’t known the name of it. What was also nice was that he didn’t try to constantly get me to buy a bigger memory size, or the more expensive headphones — i know shop assistants have their up-​selling targets but nothing annoys me more.
Why not 5 stars then? Any of their cafés/​brasseries/​coffee shops. If I’m going to queue for ten minutes just to buy a coffee, I’d like to think it’s going to be a) hot and b) there’ll be a tables to sit at which isn’t filthy.
The moral of the story? Great for shopping, but if you’re after refreshment of any sort then head for the nearest Starbucks, or the nearby Valvano and Crolla on Multrees Walk.

John Lewis is the St James Centre is a great department store, it may not have the style of Harvey Nichols or the history of Jenners, but it somehow manages to tick all the boxes.
It is a bright and airy building, so many department stores are stuffy and badly lit, so this makes a refreshing change. The staff are always incredibly helpful and I never feel like I’m being forced into a sale, it’s more like receiving some advice from an older and wiser friend. My mum and I came here to shop for her wedding outfit and we made full use of the personal shopper service — for no extra charge you can sit in a comfy private changing room with sofas and newspapers, whilst the shopper runs around the store picking outfits for you. You can then try on the clothes at your leisure and the personal shopper lady will help you decide what works best. It really did take the stress out of shopping and made for an enjoyable mother and daughter afternoon out.
I am a big fan of John Lewis and will continue to be for years to come — it represents all that is good in shopping and customer service.