International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March recognises and honours the economic, cultural and political achievements of women whilst helping to inspire a more inclusive future for all genders the world over.
And to celebrate the cause, John Lewis is paying tribute to the women of its past, present and future, whilst launching a unique competition inviting entrepreneurs and founders to join ‘John Lewis & Sisters’ in its bid to foster, empower and champion even more female-led businesses for 2024 and beyond.
Take our poll:
How to nominate your brand to be stocked at John Lewis
Changing its logo to ‘John Lewis & Sisters’ on social media from 4-10 March, women will be invited to share their talents, stories and ideas with buyers, as the brand searches for more ‘makers’. Any female-founded brand can put itself forward via John Lewis’ International Women’s Day hub.
“For 160 years, women creators and makers have been at the heart of John Lewis. We’re still partnering with incredible makers and are looking for the next generation by inviting talented female business owners to come and help us shape the future of the John Lewis brand.”
In your initial application you’ll need to include details of your range, how long your brand has been going, its UK location and supply chain processes. Shortlisted businesses will move through to a second pitch-style round before the final line up is chosen by John Lewis buyers, with finalists winning the opportunity to become a stockist in John Lewis stores for Christmas. Applications close on Sunday 17 March 2024.
Customers can also enjoy live events, experiences and offers in John Lewis stores across the UK this week. Women of John Lewis’ 160 year past, present and future will be celebrated with a bold new colourful collage, featuring the late Sarah Lewis (John Lewis’ wife), artist and sculptor Barbara Hepworth, Charlotte Tilbury, Laura Ashley, Emma Bridgewater, and many more.
Created to celebrate the trailblazers who form the fabric of the iconic British retailer, Charlotte Lock tells HELLO! Fashion: “The bold, striking colours of the campaign reflect the strength, energy and boldness which is central to the John Lewis brand.”
Every woman featured in the John Lewis IWD collage:
- Barbara Hepworth, artist and sculptor
- Charlotte Tilbury, makeup artist and Founder of beauty brand Charlotte Tilbury. OFFER: Receive a free facial oil when you spend £120 on Charlotte Tilbury at John Lewis. Ends 10 March 2024*
- Charlotta Elgh, Partner and Director of Design for John Lewis home
- Debora Blyth, Founder of jewellery brand Deborah Blyth
- Depali Goenka, CEO of Welspun India
- Yvonne Telford, Founder of fashion brand Kemi Telford
- Emma Bridgewater, Founder of homeware brand Emma Bridgewater
- Laura Ashley, Founder of interiors and fashion brand Laura Ashley
- Lucienne Day, Design Consultant for the John Lewis Partnership
- Nadia Hassan, Deputy Branch Manager at John Lewis Oxford Street
- Nicola Elliott, Founder of wellbeing brand Neom. OFFER: Receive a free Perfect Night Sleep travel candle when you spend £45 on Neom at John Lewis. Ends 13 March 2024*
- Orielle Frank, Co-Founder of beauty brand Elemis. OFFER: Save 15% on Elemis skincare at John Lewis. Ends 11 March 2024*
- Queralt Ferrer, Partner and Director of Design at John Lewis fashion
- Sarah Beatrice Mary Lewis, Partner and wife of Founder John Spedan Lewis and Deputy Chairman 1924 – 1951
- Tracey Alcock, Partner and General Manager of Herbert Parkinson, the Partnership’s textile factory
*shop the offers on the John Lewis website and in John Lewis stores.
A live artist installation by Nephthys Foster of @NephthysIllustrated will take place in the windows of the John Lewis Oxford Street store (in the morning) and Peter Jones, Sloane Square (in the afternoon) on Friday 8 March.
The British Filipino illustrator, known for her quirky and colourful designs, will create two original pieces of work expressing her interpretation of what being a woman means.
© InstagramShoppers can also enjoy in-store DJ sets from the likes of Charlie Hedges (Oxford Circus) and Gemma Cairney (Liverpool) on the day as the store celebrates female talent and performers. Visit your individual branch page for the full programme of activities.
And if you’re seeking a new outfit for your own IWD celebration, John Lewis is providing the ultimate feel-good fashion hit, with £25 off all Women’s Fashion Rental from 4-10 March.
Donations will go to The Prince’s Trust’s Change A Girl’s Life Campaign which raises funds to support young women to build better futures for themselves through education, employment or entrepreneurship.
Simply rent your chosen item(s) via the store or online service and your £25 saving (from a minimum spend of £45) will go directly to the cause.
For details on how to enter the John Lewis & Sisters business competition and listings of IWD activities at your local branch, visit the hub.