John Lewis Partnership, the UK-based employee-owned retailer behind John Lewis and Waitrose, is considering its first bricks and mortar foray outside the UK – into China.

Chairman Charlie Mayfield has visited China to explore opportunities in the mainland and says China’s growth rate makes it an attractive market destination.

However, Mayfield said that if John Lewis Partnership were to open shops in China, it would be dissimilar to its British stores.

“There’s a danger people indulge in retail imperialism,” he said. “My view… is to think very carefully about what capabilities do we need to establish in order to succeed in international markets,” he said.

Mayfield stressed that the partnership will test the water first in China by initially focusing on originating and sourcing unique products that are highly desirable to potential customers.

While attracted by China’s booming economy, Mayfield still sees huge expansion opportunities in the UK having just 39 John Lewis and 290 Waitrose stores.

John Lewis has expanded its presence in Europe last year through its virtual store which has been bolstered to process international order from 25 countries.

GB