John Lewis is looking at axing a major service across many of its stores, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.
The popular retailer is considering shutting down Bureau de Change desks across 30 of its shops.
The service allows customers to buy and sell foreign currency before taking a trip.
A consultation is underway, and if it happens, it will mean that 200 employees could lose their jobs.
John Lewis looking to axe Bureau de Change service across stores
John Lewis says that the changes to its in-store Bureau de Change areas are due to declining demand.
The business is consulting with around 200 Partners (125 FTE roles) regarding the proposed closures.
It follows a reduction in the number of currency transactions in John Lewis shops as customers increasingly are choosing to order currency online, use their credit cards or make digital payments when abroad.
If the proposal goes ahead, customers would still be able to order currency online, with a broader range of currencies available than those in store.
As well as being able to arrange home delivery, they would also continue to be able to use Click & Collect from John Lewis and Waitrose branches.
John Lewis is also looking at discontinuing its dedicated gift-wrapping areas - which are currently offered in 25 shops and share space with the current Bureau de Change desks.
A spokesman said: "Our customers are increasingly buying the broad range of currencies we offer online, and enjoying the convenience of having this delivered directly to their home or collecting it at one of our shops.
"As we focus on modernising this proposition to meet our customers’ changing needs, we’re proposing to close our in-store foreign exchange bureaus as well as our gift wrapping service.
"As a result, we’re regretfully consulting with Partners who currently deliver these services.
"This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly, and we will support impacted Partners throughout the consultation process and support redeployment where possible."
What do you think about the decision to possibly axe the Bureau de Change desks and gift-wrapping areas from John Lewis stores? Let us know in the comments.
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