As a preview to her presentation during the upcoming IBC Global Forum, the following is a brief on British retailer John Lewis Partnership and Anna Berry, Head of Buying for Gifts, Cook and Dine.

John Lewis Partnership has 48 stores throughout the UK as well as their e-commerce business.  Together with their sister retailer, Waitrose, annual sales reach over GBP 11 bn, with John Lewis stores accounting for over GBP 4.7 bn in sales.  The retailer is owned in part by its employees, all of whom are shareholders.  This unique model of management maintains a very motived, invested staff and attributes to the continuing success of John Lewis. 

Anna Berry joined John Lewis Partnership in 1988 and after several positions within the company, transferred to buying in 1993 and was responsible for purchasing in several categories.  Among her roles at John Lewis, Anna also worked in commercial management, driving supplier relationships and building business plans.  Prior to her current buying position, Anna was the Premium Beauty buyer and brings the creativity and high demand of the beauty industry and the expertise of buying across multiple categories to her home and housewares buying role. 

At the IBC Global Forum taking place in Miami from September 17-19, Anna will present John Lewis’ strategies for purchasing home and housewares products based on consumer preference and the ideal methods of selling to this retailer.