Quality, reassuringly British, a great café and – it’s back! – “Never knowingly undersold”. Who doesn’t love John Lewis? And praise the lord we no longer have to make the schlep up the M5 to Cribbs Causeway to shop at one.  Towering majestically over the city centre’s pedestrianised high street, JL Exeter covers six floors of quality retail therapy, stuffed full with 300 brands, 100+ services and over 50 events annually. Whether you’re looking for tech, kitchenware, furniture or a fabulous new outfit (women’s, men’s and kids), it’s all here. Plus, the popular top floor eatery, The Place to Eat, has an outdoor terrace and offers gorgeous views over the city’s cathedral and countryside beyond.

As of September 2024, their iconic slogan has returned and now with added AI tech which daily checks 25 competitors to make sure the pricing is on point. Find it cheaper at another retailer, and if you take your receipt to JL within seven days, and they’ll refund the difference. Now, that’s service.

Of course, we know this shining beacon of British department stores gives brilliant customer service, but when we dug a little deeper, the amount of extras we discovered is positively mind-blowing. 101 services, including made to measure, personal and home styling, All Things Baby nursery advice, tech support (no need to queue up at the Apple Store!) and free makeovers from over a dozen beauty counters, including Charlotte Tilbury, Elemis and Dior.

Did you know John Lewis Exeter also run great pop-ups? Check out our What’s On for the low-down each month, their John Lewis Exeter Instagram or the JL App for updates. There’s so much to enjoy (often with goody bags), including a Luxury Beauty Night and Ladies Night Private Shopping in the offing.