READING UK has expressed its delight at the news John Lewis will be reopening its store in the town.

Bosses at John Lewis announced its store on Broad Street will be reopening on April 12.

The Reading store will re-open along with other non-essential retail in line with government guidelines in just over two weeks’ time.

The John Lewis Partnership has announced that it is not planning to reopen eight of its 42 John Lewis shops from lockdown, as it rebalances its store estate to reflect how customers want to shop.

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The eight shops identified for closure include four ‘At Home’ shops in Ashford, Basingstoke, Chester and Tunbridge Wells and four department stores in Aberdeen, Peterborough, Sheffield and York.

John Lewis Partnership has traded from the Heelas building in Broad Street since 1953 and is a key anchor store for Reading town centre.

Adam Jacobs, Chair Reading UK, said: “It is great news for Reading’s retail offer and the many John Lewis staff locally that John Lewis Reading will be re-opening on 12 April, along with the rest of non-essential retail.

READ ALSO: Reading's John Lewis department store when it was Heelas

"John Lewis is a premier retailer in Reading’s high street and attracts shoppers from across the region to the town. The decision is a clear sign of confidence in the retail future of Reading town centre.

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“2020 has been a very difficult year for retail in an already ultra-competitive market.

"For the sustainability of Reading town centre, it is vital that major names such as John Lewis continue to anchor the retail offer as we work to diversify and re-invent the town centre experience over the coming years.”