[Music] For nearly 150 years, the John Lewis Department Store has been enticing us to part with our cash. And today, despite the tough economic climate, the chain continues to expand. [Music] Last year, over3 billion pounds was rung up at their tills.
Their winter and summer sales are a key part of that success. In two days time, the doors will open for the John Lewis summer sale, and I get to go backstage and help out. Right across the high street, shops create excitement about unwanted leftover stock, items that haven't sold in that season, at least at full price.
It's one of the biggest retail tricks of all and it's been going on since the 1890s. I'm starting here because this chain specializes in the twice a year end of season clearance sale. Hi, I'm Cherry Healey.
I'm here to help out with the sales team. Hi Cherry. Yeah, if I can get to signing for you, please.
I believe we've got a badge here for you. So, who are you here to see today? Um, the visual merchandising team, please.
Okay. Hello. Hello, everyone.
Sorry, I know you're really busy. It's the job of this 44 strong team to make this sale a success. So, how exactly do they lure us in, make us feel like it's a big event and get us spending even on the most domestic of products?
L Brush. Yes, there are toilet brushes in this summer sale. Always start with the bulkest at the bottom, smallest at the top.
Right. God, it's very, very specific, isn't it? Yeah, it is indeed.
They take their window displays seriously here. And Chrissy Diamond's job is to get hers just right. Do you like what I've done with the Lou brushes?
I do. Yeah, I do. The only thing is, if you look at it, it's probably looking quite bare right now.
Um, but what we're going to do is we've got some products. Uh, Chrissy. Yeah, that is not how we do the towels.
Just put that there. Show another is a larger towel. Therefore, that goes bottom.
How about you do it for me? Tag in front or behind? No, it will go behind.
And will the tag will be taken off? Yeah. Will customers be able to buy them?
Like if that's the last Lou brush in that color. Yeah, we have a number. Yeah.
And they say, "Chrissy, window four, you have a L brush. Um, can you please go down and collect it? " I can have that actual one.
You can have the actual L brush. So, it's not just the size of the discounts that draw customers in, but also the stores look and how the stock is arranged. [Music] How do the Lou brushes look?
If you move the front one just slightly to the right. Excellent. You know, I want my window to look its best.
[Music] I'm pregnant, you know. Should we get Chrissy to help you? You need to sit down.
