Letter to John Lewis to amplify the voice of the people of Aberdeen

Hello All,

Yesterday, I wrote to John Lewis Management with nearly one hundred testimonials and appeals from people – in Aberdeen and beyond - about why they want the George Street store to remain open.

Thanks to all who wrote to me.

In the letter, I said ‘I am writing to you today to amplify the voice that I feel is most important in this discussion: that of Aberdonians. Thousands of people have signed my petition – and many more thousands have signed others – urging you to reconsider the decision.

Further to this, nearly one hundred people from Aberdeen (and beyond) have written to me explaining why they wish to see the store remain open, and how important your company is to the city.

You can see in the testimonials I have received that Aberdonians have confidence in the future of our city centre, but that we see John Lewis are vital to that future. I hope John Lewis can match that confidence.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we have not of course been able to vote with our pockets and support our city centre and stores like John Lewis. I hope this letter, petition and document are some ways of showing the support that exists for the store.'

You can read the letter and testimonials - here.

You can read press coverage about it - here.

You can share a video and the letter - here.

I’ve seen some of my colleagues from other parties publicly arguing about this on social media.

There’s too much at stake for point scoring - the closer we work as a city, the better chance we have of success.

Thank you,

Barry Black

Scottish Labour candidate for Aberdeen Central

(Promoted by Archie Flockhart on behalf of Barry Black, both t 55 Irvine Place, AB10 6HF.)