Wholesale
This is the most commonly-used business model in the Partnership
It is a traditional buyer-seller relationship
- JLP buys each product from the supplier at an agreed cost price
The supplier delivers bulk loads of product into JLP’s Distribution Centres, from where
- The JLP fleet distributes product to store, or
- Online orders are sent to customers
Undamaged customer returns to store are re-sold in store; faulty returns are returned to the supplier by way of a debit agreement via the ADC.
Sale or return (SOR)
Primarily used in fashion, the Sale or return (SOR) model is a commission-based structure where suppliers deliver products directly to John Lewis stores or distribution centres for johnlewis.com sales.
Suppliers retain stock title until the point of sale, when ownership passes momentarily to John Lewis before transferring to the customer.
Sales are made through John Lewis tills, with data collated weekly. John Lewis deducts an agreed commission and pays the remainder to the supplier with any applicable VAT applied.
Undamaged customer returns to store are resold in-store, faulty items are returned via the ADC, and unsold seasonal stock is recalled by the supplier.
The SOR supplier guide answers frequently asked questions about this model and includes a ‘Useful Details & Contacts Guide’ at the end for further support.
Supplier Direct
John Lewis has chosen to partner with Mirakl as its Supplier Operating Platform. As a market-leading D2C solution, Mirakl is pivotal to supporting the partnership's D2C strategy, focusing on growth and enhancing the customer delivery offering.
The Supplier Direct manual below provides all the necessary information for you to trade as a Supplier Direct supplier with the John Lewis Partnership, enabling us to collaboratively create an inspiring proposition and ensure an exceptional customer experience.
For more information about supplier direct please reference the Supplier Direct Operating Manual or if you are a new supplier or new to Supplier Direct as a business model, find out more on our new supplier onboarding: Direct to Customer (d2c).
Please read and understand this document thoroughly.