If there is one retailer that knows how to get into the festive spirit it's surely John Lewis.

Now the department store whose yearly Christmas TV ads are regarded as a staple of the Autumn calendar is launching a one-stop festive shop at Bluewater shopping centre in Greenhithe.

The emporium will form part of a special range of 10 stores nationwide offering in-store events, festive workshops and personalised gifting experiences.

Each will be packed with more than 1,000 seasonal products, 90% of which will come from its own brand range.

John Lewis says searches for Christmas on its website are up nearly 40% in comparison to the same time last year.

The retailer believes its emporiums, to be based at existing stores, will provide customers with everything they need for Christmas.

It says there will be something for all the family to get involved with as part of a range of activities planned at its in-store workshop spaces or from the comfort of home via virtual workshops.

As part of its new experience range, customers can become a whisky tasting connoisseur, take part in a champagne masterclass or simply kick start Christmas decorating with wreath-making or hand-made decorations.

Kids can get involved too with jumper decorating and treasure hunts.

The retailer says it is also bidding to celebrate "homegrown talent" and will bring local artists and makers together as part of a curated makers market

Each week four small businesses will be invited to offer customers a range of its products, ranging from jewellery to artwork, candles to dog accessories.

Shoppers will be able to peruse the products and meet the makers behind them.

Lisa Cherry, partner and head of Christmas at John Lewis & Partners said: “Customers have had an elongated summer with restrictions lifting mid way and wedding season starting later than usual but now they are certainly ready to start planning and looking forward to Christmas 2021.

"We predict many will want to keep some of the traditions we started last year such as, entertaining on the doorstep and creating magical light displays for our neighbours.

She added: "But we know customers want to plan their festive season to the max, so they can enjoy their favourite family moments alongside the big day itself, such as Christmas movie night with the family and decorating the house.

"So this year we have created the Christmas Emporium bringing everything into one-stop-shop.

"These are designed so that customers can blitz their seasonal to-do list and pick up everything they need in one fell swoop, but also be a day out for the whole family to kick off their festive fun with tastings, games for the children and inspirational workshops.”

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