Overview

Visiting the store after sometime away it was refreshing to see the new 'upbeat' John Lewis store and how it had been integrated into the St James Quarter shopping mall. Still lots of amazing things to see and buy, a great techie section, and lovely views from the refurbished cafe up on the top floor. Must mention the accessible loos too as they're important to know about for so many people. I found it very easy to get around as a wheelchair user. Good lifts, plenty of space and fairly easy to see everything.

Transport & Parking

For me, as a fan of travelling on Edinburgh's trams it was easy to get to John Lewis. I went to the Picardy Place tram stop, got off the tram, wheeled across to the John Lewis external entrance and my adventures began. From this entrance you are able to get a lift that takes you up to the other floors and interconnect you into the main shopping centre. On my way out I came out of the St James Quarter shopping mall on level two and worked my way along Mulltrees Walk to get the tram stop in St Andrew Square. I noticed that there are two car parks in the shopping centre too which is handy; as well as a Shomobility style scooter and wheelchair loan service.

Access

Disabled access within John Lewis was very good. There is a bit of a ramp to go up if you enter from the shopping centre on level one. Several floors connect directly with the floors of the shopping centre too. Inside the store it is clearly signposted to help you find the sections you are interested in. The floors were lovely and smooth which was a delight to wheel on. I did have a bit of a struggle with the higher shelves over in kitchenware but the staff were very quick to offer help which was great. In the tech department I found it easy to move around and the displays were a good height to see what was on offer. I did take time out to visit the cafe too; don't mention the cakes! Nice moveable furniture and a good height of table to sip coffee and ponder whether the cake was good for diet. All in all a great shopping experience.

Toilets

I used the accessible toilet up by the tech stuff and near the cafe. Large, spacious and spotlessly clean too. Plenty of room to manoeuvre the powerchair here too. I did notice that there were other accessible loos in the store as well. There's a Changing Places toilet in the shopping centre too.

Staff

Very helpful and friendly; quick to see I was struggling a bit finding what I wanted and offered help. At the 'checkout' they helped put my purchase in my rucksack on the back of my powerchair which was much appreciated. All in all just what you want - asking if you need some assistance, helping and being bright and cheery too.

Photos