John Lewis accelerates tech transformation with £100m Google Cloud deal

The John Lewis Partnership has launched a £100 million partnership with Google Cloud to provide customers with more tailored and personalised experiences. 

The move marks the next step in the partnership’s digital transformation, hoping to take its retail experience to the "next level" both in-store and via digital platforms.

Moreover, the agreement will also support the John Lewis Partnership’s ambition to get closer to its customers by creating a pan-Partnership loyalty programme in 2024.

Under the five-year agreement, more of the partnership's technology will migrate to Google Cloud, harnessing its latest and most innovative technologies, including advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The tools will allow the partnership to be more efficient, spend more time focusing on customers, and better use data insights to help curate products and services.

Nish Kankiwala, CEO at the John Lewis Partnership, said: "Investing in cutting edge technology is not just a choice, it’s a necessity for a modern retailer like us. Core to our strategy is building our technology infrastructure for the long term, drawing on latest innovations to benefit our customers."

Zak Mian, Chief Transformation and Technology Officer at the John Lewis Partnership, added: "We've always been focused at finding better ways to do business. Today's announcement marks a significant step in transforming our technology, and ensures that our partners have the best tools to provide our customers with even more personalised experiences, across all our channels."