John Lewis is revamping its home, electronics and menswear departments, set to launch at its Stratford City store, which opens on September 13.
In home, the furnishing fabrics, linens, bath accessories and furniture areas will be refurbished to make the department easier to navigate and more accessible.

There will also be opportunities for product-led visual merchandising, said the retailer, letting customers picture how products could work in their homes.

A new Home Design Studio will let customers spread out swatches of materials and wallpaper to pull together a look for their home with help from the retailer's home advice team.

In consumer electronics, customers will be able to try out all products in the electricals and home technology range for the first time.

The developments will become standard for all new stores and future refurbishments, and mark the next phase in a £250m commitment by the company to investing in existing stores, new shop openings, e-commerce and infrastructure during 2011.

John Lewis managing director Andy Street said: "The development of these new retail concepts will create a more aspirational shopping experience by allowing our customers to interact with products. This will really set us apart on the UK high street."