As a student, balancing the need for quality essentials with a tight budget can be tricky, especially when it comes to purchasing items for your home, wardrobe, or school. With many retailers offering dedicated discounts for students, you might wonder if John Lewis, one of the UK’s most iconic and trusted department stores, has a student discount program.
This guide explores the current options for saving at John Lewis, what students can expect, and alternative strategies to make sure you get the best deals available—even without a dedicated student discount. From voucher codes and special deals to John Lewis’ annual sales, we’ve outlined the most effective ways for students to save on their purchases.
Does John Lewis Offer a Student Discount?
The Truth About John Lewis’ Student Discount in 2024
Currently, John Lewis does not offer an official student discount. Despite being a popular department store catering to a wide range of products that are highly relevant to students—from laptops to home essentials—John Lewis has yet to roll out a dedicated discount program for students. This might be disappointing if you’re a student looking to save on essential items, but there are still many ways to save money when shopping at John Lewis.
Many retailers like ASOS, Apple, and Amazon have established student discount programs, often partnering with platforms like UNiDAYS and Student Beans to provide savings to students. Unfortunately, John Lewis is not part of these platforms yet. However, this doesn’t mean that you cannot save as a student at John Lewis. While they may not have a direct discount for students, they offer other avenues for discounts, including promotions, voucher codes, and their famous annual sales events.
Also Read: List of Student Discounts and Deals | The Ultimate Guide
Will John Lewis Introduce a Student Discount?
There is no confirmed news about John Lewis launching a student discount program in the near future, though some customers speculate it may eventually happen, given the rise in competition among major UK retailers offering discounts to students. To stay updated, you can subscribe to John Lewis’ newsletter and follow trusted deal platforms like HotUKDeals or VoucherCodes for potential announcements about future student discounts.
Alternative Ways Students Can Save at John Lewis
While John Lewis doesn’t have a specific student discount, students can still benefit from a variety of savings strategies. Here’s how you can cut costs and make the most of your shopping experience at John Lewis:
- Voucher Codes and Coupons: Although there’s no direct student discount, John Lewis regularly offers discount codes and vouchers for various product categories like electronics, clothing, and beauty products. These can provide savings of up to 20% or more on specific products.
- John Lewis Sales Events: Throughout the year, John Lewis runs significant sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Clearance Sales, offering discounts that rival a student discount program.
- John Lewis Price Match: The store has a “Never Knowingly Undersold” policy, which means they’ll match the price of any item you find cheaper at a competitor, allowing you to save without relying on an official discount.
- Sign Up for John Lewis Partnership Card: The John Lewis credit card offers 5 points for every £4 spent in-store or at Waitrose, allowing you to earn rewards for future purchases. Students can take advantage of this card to get cashback or vouchers.
- Shop Second-Hand on eBay: If you’re open to purchasing second-hand items, you can find John Lewis products on eBay, often at a fraction of their retail price. This is particularly helpful for bigger items like furniture, where you can save substantially.
Also Read: Apple Student Discount & Codes | Get 15% off Plus Official Codes
Understanding John Lewis & Partners: Why Shop Here?
A Brief History of John Lewis
John Lewis & Partners is a renowned British department store chain with over 35 locations across the UK. Known for its high-quality products and excellent customer service, John Lewis has been a favorite among shoppers for over 150 years. The brand started in 1864 when John Lewis opened his first store on Oxford Street, London. Since then, the company has grown into a retail powerhouse, offering everything from electronics to beauty products and clothing.
John Lewis is part of the John Lewis Partnership, the largest employee-owned business in the UK. This means that every staff member is also a co-owner of the company, which helps the brand maintain its reputation for excellent customer service.
The company is also known for its ethical business practices. From sourcing sustainable products to offering fair working conditions, John Lewis aims to be a leader in corporate responsibility. They have committed to ambitious goals around sustainability, such as reaching Net-Zero carbon emissions by 2035 and eliminating plastic from their own-brand packaging by 2025.
Key Products Available at John Lewis
John Lewis & Partners offers a wide range of essential products for students, from homeware to fashion. Here are just some of the items you’ll find at John Lewis:
- Electronics: Laptops, smartphones, tablets, and smart home devices like Google Nest and Amazon Echo.
- Clothing and Footwear: Offering a broad selection of casual wear, formal attire, and sportswear, along with shoes for all occasions.
- Home Essentials: From bedsheets to cookware, you’ll find everything you need to furnish your dorm or student apartment.
- Beauty Products: Brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Clinique, and Estée Lauder are stocked, often with exclusive John Lewis beauty sets.
- Sports Equipment: From gym wear to yoga mats and even fitness trackers like the Fitbit.
Best Times to Shop at John Lewis for Discounts
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday is one of the biggest sales events of the year, and John Lewis is known for offering up to 50% off on a wide range of items. This is the perfect time for students to grab essential items for their dorms or schoolwork, such as laptops and other electronics.
The deals continue through Cyber Monday, where online-exclusive offers provide further opportunities to save. Tech items such as TVs, headphones, and kitchen appliances are some of the hottest deals during these events.
John Lewis’ Clearance Sales
Throughout the year, John Lewis hosts Clearance Sales, where shoppers can find discounts of up to 70% off on last-season items. These sales typically occur in January and July, and they’re perfect for students looking to buy home essentials, clothing, or even furniture on a budget.
Seasonal Sales (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter)
In addition to major events like Black Friday and the clearance sales, John Lewis offers seasonal sales with discounts on products relevant to each time of year. For example, during the Spring Sale, you can expect discounts on outdoor furniture, gardening tools, and fitness gear.
Tips on Maximizing Savings at John Lewis Without a Student Discount
Since John Lewis doesn’t offer an official student discount, students will need to rely on other strategies to maximize their savings. Here’s a list of actionable tips that go beyond the basic advice:
1. Use Voucher Codes From Trusted Sources
One of the best ways to save at John Lewis is by using voucher codes. These codes are available through trusted discount websites such as:
- VoucherCodes.co.uk
- Honey (browser extension that automatically finds and applies the best coupon codes)
- HotUKDeals
These platforms frequently update their listings with the latest John Lewis voucher codes, which can offer discounts of up to 20% on specific categories like homeware, electronics, and beauty products.
2. Keep an Eye on John Lewis’ “Never Knowingly Undersold” Price Match Policy
John Lewis is famous for its “Never Knowingly Undersold” policy, which ensures they’ll match the price of any item you find cheaper at another UK retailer. This policy applies both online and in-store, giving you the best possible deal without having to compromise on quality.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The competitor must be a UK-based retailer.
- The product must be identical (same model, color, specifications).
- The price match request must be made within 28 days of the purchase.
By using this policy, students can ensure they are getting the best value for their money, even if John Lewis doesn’t offer a student-specific discount.
3. Leverage Cashback Websites and Credit Cards
Another way students can save at John Lewis is by shopping through cashback websites. Platforms like TopCashback and Quidco allow users to earn a percentage of their purchase back as cashback. John Lewis is frequently featured on these platforms, and cashback rates can range from 2% to 10%, depending on the product category and promotion.
Additionally, using a credit card that offers cashback or reward points on purchases is another way to accumulate savings. For example, the John Lewis Partnership Card gives users 1 point for every £1 spent at John Lewis or Waitrose, and 1 point for every £2 spent elsewhere.
4. Subscribe to the John Lewis Newsletter for Exclusive Deals
Signing up for the John Lewis newsletter ensures you’re the first to know about upcoming sales, special promotions, and new product launches. As a subscriber, you’ll receive exclusive voucher codes and be notified about limited-time offers that can help you save on your purchases. This is a great way for students to stay informed about the latest deals without having to constantly monitor the website. Many retailers, including John Lewis, also send early access or exclusive discounts to their subscribers before sales go live to the general public.
5. Take Advantage of Free Delivery and Click & Collect
For students, minimizing additional costs like shipping is important. John Lewis offers free delivery on orders over £50, which can be a significant saving, especially when purchasing larger items such as furniture or electronics.
For those who don’t meet the £50 threshold or simply want to avoid shipping fees, John Lewis offers a free Click & Collect service. This allows customers to order online and pick up their purchases from their nearest John Lewis or Waitrose store, often the same day or next day. This is a perfect option for students who live near one of these stores and need items quickly.
6. Wait for Price Drops or Bundle Deals
John Lewis frequently introduces bundle deals and multi-buy offers, particularly on electronics, home appliances, and beauty products. These deals often offer significant savings when purchasing multiple items at once.
In addition, John Lewis tends to drop prices on items once new models or lines are introduced. Students looking for essentials like laptops, tablets, or home appliances can often get great deals by purchasing the previous year’s model, which can still be high-quality and perfectly functional for student life.
Pro tip: If you’re buying a larger or more expensive item, such as a laptop or kitchen appliance, it might be worth waiting for sales periods (like Black Friday) or looking for bundle offers where you can get free accessories or discounted warranties included.
Why Choose John Lewis: The Quality and Customer Service Difference
Superior Customer Service and Warranty Options
John Lewis is well-known for its excellent customer service. Shopping at John Lewis means not only accessing high-quality products but also benefiting from their top-tier customer support. They have a dedicated customer service team available in-store and online to help with any product queries or issues you may encounter.
The company offers extended warranties on many of their electronic products. For example, John Lewis provides a 2-year warranty on TVs and other electronics, which is longer than the standard 1-year warranty offered by many other retailers. For students purchasing expensive electronics, this added protection can be a lifesaver.
Moreover, the company provides hassle-free returns. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, John Lewis has a 90-day return policy for most products. This ensures peace of mind, especially for students who are unsure if a product will suit their needs.
Ethical Shopping: Sustainability and Social Responsibility
For students who prioritize ethical shopping, John Lewis stands out as a socially responsible retailer. They are committed to improving sustainability across all areas of their business, from the materials used in their products to how those products are shipped and packaged.
Here are some key initiatives by John Lewis in this regard:
- Sustainably Sourced Products: John Lewis emphasizes sourcing products in a way that reduces environmental impact. They are working toward ensuring that all their cotton-based products are sourced through sustainable means by 2025.
- Partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI): The BCI helps cotton farmers produce cotton in a way that is kinder to the environment by using less water and fewer pesticides.
- Zero Waste: John Lewis has committed to eliminating plastic packaging from their own-brand products by 2025 and is working toward becoming zero waste in their stores by 2030.
- Fairtrade and Organic Products: Many John Lewis products, especially within their home and clothing ranges, are Fairtrade-certified and organic. This ensures fair wages and sustainable farming practices for those involved in the production process.
- Support for Charities and Community Initiatives: John Lewis donates a percentage of their profits to local community initiatives and charities. Through their Community Matters program, every time you shop, you can vote for a local charity to receive a donation from the John Lewis Partnership.
For students who care about the ethical and environmental impact of their purchases, John Lewis is a great choice.
Alternatives to John Lewis for Student Discounts
While John Lewis is a top choice for quality and customer service, students may want to consider other retailers that do offer dedicated student discounts. Below are a few alternatives that provide similar products but with official student discount schemes:
1. ASOS
- Offers 10% off for students through UNiDAYS and Student Beans.
- Stocks a wide range of clothing, beauty products, and accessories.
2. Apple
- Offers a Student Discount Program through their Apple Education Store, which includes reduced prices on laptops, iPads, and accessories.
- Students can also benefit from Apple Music at half the regular price.
3. Amazon Prime Student
- Amazon Prime Student offers a 6-month free trial, followed by 50% off the standard Prime membership.
- Benefits include free next-day delivery, Prime Video, and exclusive student deals on various products.
4. Currys
- Currys offers discounts on tech products through Student Beans.
- You can often find discounts on laptops, tablets, and other electronics essential for student life.
5. Uniqlo
- Offers 10% off for students through Student Beans.
- Uniqlo is a great option for stylish, affordable, and durable clothing, perfect for students on a budget.
By combining your shopping at these retailers with John Lewis’ sales and voucher codes, you can cover all your student essentials without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: Is John Lewis Worth It for Students?
While John Lewis does not offer an official student discount, it still remains a great choice for students looking for high-quality products, exceptional customer service, and a focus on ethical and sustainable shopping practices. With the variety of voucher codes, price matching, cashback opportunities, and annual sales events, students can still find significant savings at John Lewis.
For those who prioritize the best customer experience and ethical shopping, John Lewis stands out, especially with its Never Knowingly Undersold policy, which ensures you get the best price available. Plus, the extended warranties and free returns provide added security that many budget retailers do not offer.
By being strategic and keeping an eye on sales, voucher codes, and bundle offers, students can still make John Lewis a go-to retailer for many of their essential purchases. And while John Lewis might not have a dedicated student discount just yet, there are still plenty of ways to save.
To maximize your savings at John Lewis and other retailers, it’s always a good idea to combine strategies—shop during sales, use cashback sites, and check for any available voucher codes. Students looking for ethical and high-quality products can definitely make John Lewis part of their shopping plan while staying on budget.
