Retail group. Founded by John Spedan Lewis after his father John Lewis gave him control of the Peter Jones department store in Chelsea. All its employees (known as Partners) are co-owners. The company is not quoted on the stock exchange, and every year after deductions have been made for future developments, the profits are distributed to all Partners as a percentage of their annual salaries. The Waitrose supermarkets were acquired in 1937 and along with the department stores, cover most areas of Britain.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
