Our John Lewis Partners share their key pieces of wisdom
From how to design your living room to ensuring your tech is always top of the class, our Partners give us their words of wisdom
From our very beginnings we’ve been on a mission to do things differently, putting people at the heart of everything we do.
As our Never Knowingly Undersold pledge is back and better than ever, we’ve started a conversation about what it means to Live Knowingly in the 21st century. You might have seen we shared our ten guiding pieces of wisdom that we’ve gathered along the way. These inspire how we live, work and stay true to the original mission that Spedan set out when he launched Never Knowingly undersold.
In a bid to carry the conversation on, we’ve spoken to some of our Partners and asked them to share their one piece of wisdom. If you’d like to share yours, head over to our Instagram account @johnlewis and enter our wisdom competition from the 20th September for your chance to win a £500 John Lewis voucher.
Charlotta Elgh
Partner & Director of Design, Home
"When it comes to cushions, choose three of the same colour but never three of the same exact cushion. Different constructions will give depth to your interior. Also, don't chop the cushions. If we wanted chopped cushions, we would have designed them that way!"
Ellen North-Row
Senior Marketing Planning Manager, Technology
"Investing in a high quality coffee machine will work out better value than buying from a coffee shop every day, whilst also giving your kitchen some cred."
Rachel Morgans
Partner & Fashion Director
"I always think when you’re shopping don't get sucked into flash trends, it’s more important to invest into timeless, versatile and inspiring pieces that can be revisited season after season."
Laurence Mitchell
Technology Director
"I always say if you care enough about fashion to spend hundreds of pounds on your clothes, it's always worth investing in a high quality washing machine to care for them."
Harry Boughton
Head of Comms Technology
"Think about how all your tech works together and choose compatible operating systems so you’re not stuck swapping between systems. It will make your life much easier."
Craig West
Head of Electricals
"Always take note of the energy efficiency of appliances. People often overlook the efficiency rating but spending a bit more up front can save you a lot of money over the product's lifetime."
Ben Rogers
Partner & Technology Services Lead
"Always get new tech installed properly, it will allow you to get the most of your new product both now and in the future."
Helen Spencer
Partner & Head of Beauty
"Invest in yourself with hard working products. The power of the double cleanse is my wisdom for healthy looking skin. It helps remove build up and oily debris and the double cleanse allows penetration of the skin for an even deeper clean."
Aly O'Connell
Partner & Category Lead Kids Brands & Shoes
"Kids' feet grow fast: up to two whole sizes by the time they're 4 years old! So my piece of wisdom is to always ensure your kids' shoes fit properly. It's really essential to their foot health, growth development and overall well-being. Thankfully in all our JL shops there are free shoe fitting services to help you on that journey."
Alan Wright
Partner & Category Lead Toys & Books
"When you're picking a gift, unleash your inner child and find something that you would have loved as a child. There's huge joy in being the 'crazy uncle' so - if you're able - embrace that too!"
Poppy Mace
Partner & Nursery Product Specialist
"Purchase the baby products that are going to help you on a daily basis, not necessarily something recommended by friends or family. There’s no point having someone else’s “essential” baby gear if it’s not going to support or complement your own lifestyle. Buying for your family is totally personal and unique to you."
Dan Freeland
Partner & Head of Category Marketing - Fashion, Beauty & Kids
"Let your kids embrace fashion trends early but always remind them of the pieces that resonate with their unique identity and those pieces that bring timeless style."
