Exeter John Lewis store to create extra 120 jobs

The store will create a total of 300 jobs

Retail chain John Lewis has announced it is to create 120 more jobs than initially planned in a new Devon store.

The firm was going to take over five floors of a building in Sidwell Street, Exeter but has now been given approval to take over all eleven floors.

It says the move will generate a total of 300 new jobs.

Last week, independent traders said the council was neglecting them to attract John Lewis. The authority said the shop would benefit all parts of the city.

Road improvements

Fore Street surf shop owner John Monk said: "It's good for the central part of the city but it's not a benefit for us.

"People have to go down a hill to reach us - we need promotion to get people over the hill."

Exeter City Council leader Peter Edwards said: "Every part of the city is very important and more people will come to Exeter to shop at John Lewis."

He said that independent traders would benefit from the arrival of the store.

Last week, BBC News reported that the council was spending £2m on improving the road layout and car park by the store near Princesshay.

It is expected to open in autumn 2012.