More than 1,000 jobseekers have applied for work at a new home department store which is preparing to open in Ashford.

More than 1,000 people have applied for the 125 retail positions on offer at the new John Lewis store, which is currently under construction in Fougeres Way, on a site close to Junction 9 of the M20.

This means that eight applicants on average are going after one job.

The positions available include sales assistants, specialist advisers and catering professionals.
John Lewis manager Rebekah Hawley said: “We’ve been extremely impressed with the calibre of candidates who have applied for positions at our new ‘at home’ shop in Ashford and we have worked closely with the local job centre to ensure we have a workforce that reflects the local community.”

Construction of the seven-million pound store began in June and it is expected to open at the end of the year.

It will be the 10th John Lewis at home store that the brand has opened and will focus on furniture, furnishing accessories, electrical and home technology.

Newly appointed branch manager Glynis Gunning-Stevenson said: “It’s fantastic to be offering a significant number of new jobs to people in the Kent area.

"We’re looking for a mixture of partners from diverse backgrounds who all understand the importance of delivering outstanding customer service and have the enthusiasm, energy and flexibility to embrace our co-owned business model.”