John Lewis is a chain of upscale department stores operating throughout the United Kingdom, popular amongst the British middle class for its high quality goods. The chain is owned by the John Lewis Partnership. All permanent employees are partners in the business. There are currently 26 stores throughout England and Scotland and a further 9 stores are confirmed to open in the next 5 years. The brand is famous for its slogan "Never Knowingly Undersold" which has been in use for the past 76 years. John Lewis is positioned in the retail market above the likes of Marks and Spencer and House of Fraser and at a lower level to Selfridges. In 2007 John Lewis was voted 'Britains Favourite Department Store'.
On 1st January 2008, John Lewis, Oxford Street, was awarded a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty The Queen as suppliers of Haberdashery and Household Goods. John Lewis Reading also has a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty The Queen as suppliers of Household and Fancy Goods, this was received on 1st January 2007.
