A retailer is looking to expand the offer at one of its 'worst-performing' stores to ensure it is viable.
John Lewis and Partners is seeking permission from Ipswich Borough Council to sell clothing, footwear and accessories at its Futura Retail Park store, in Crane Boulevard.
A planning statement submitted on the retailer's behalf said the John Lewis at Home store is one of its worst-performing and the move would be a 'vital step' in securing its future for years to come.
When the store was approved in December 2011, alongside the neighbouring unit occupied by Waitrose, a condition limited the types of goods which could be sold.
John Lewis is now seeking to change that condition to widen the scope as well as increase the amount of floorspace dedicated to health and beauty products by 92 square metres.
No physical changes to the building or car park are being proposed.
The statement said this approach, which would safeguard around 90 jobs, had been integral to addressing viability challenges at similarly located John Lewis at Home stores.
Clock and Collect data, it said, showed a high demand for its wider offer in the Ipswich area, notably around beauty and fashion.
As part of the application, the retailer looked at alternative sites in Ipswich, as well as Woodbridge and Felixstowe, but concluded there were no available or suitable units to move into.
Likewise, it assessed the impact on other shops in the town but concluded there would be limited trade diversion as the change would serve customers already shopping online or collecting from the store.
Ipswich Borough Council officers are now looking at the plans in detail, with representations from residents welcome until September 22.
A decision is expected by October 16.
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