The department store chain is reviewing plans to discontinue a significant offering in numerous locations, which could affect hundreds of staff positions.

The well-known retailer is mulling over closing currency exchange counters in 30 of its establishments.

This facility enables shoppers to purchase and sell international currencies ahead of travel.

A formal review is in progress, and should it proceed, approximately 200 workers may find themselves without employment.

John Lewis has stated that alterations to its in-store currency exchange areas stem from reduced customer usage.

The company is engaging with roughly 200 Partners (equivalent to 125 full-time positions) about the suggested shutdowns.

This follows a fall in the volume of currency transactions within John Lewis branches as shoppers increasingly opt to arrange currency through websites, use bank cards, or make electronic payments while overseas.

Should the plan move forward, shoppers would still have the option to arrange currency through the website, with a wider selection of currencies on offer compared to what was available in physical stores.

Alongside the option to have orders delivered to their doorstep, customers would also continue to be able to use the Click and Collect service at John Lewis and Waitrose locations.

The retailer is additionally examining ways to phase out its dedicated gift-wrapping sections, which are presently available in 25 stores and occupy the same space as the existing currency exchange counters.

A spokesperson commented that shoppers are progressively obtaining the wide range of currencies offered through the website, and appreciating the ease of having these delivered straight to their residence or collected from one of their stores.

As efforts concentrate on modernising this offering to align with shifting customer requirements, proposals have been put forward to shut the in-store foreign exchange outlets alongside the gift wrapping service.

Consequently, consultations are unfortunately taking place with Partners who currently provide these services.

This has not been a choice made without careful consideration, and assistance will be provided to affected Partners throughout the consultation period along with help finding alternative roles where feasible.