John Lewis

We got the bus in to Glasgow's Buchanan Bus Station. Once we had arrived at the bus station, it was very accessible locating to John Lewis. We accessed the department store via the back entrance, directly opposite the bus station. There's a set of traffic lights where we were able to cross over safely and the open of two enter/exit doors for wheelchair/ pram access in to the store. Once we were inside the shop, there were options to either take the lift up/down floors to different departments or the use of escalators. There is also the option of both genders and disabled toilets, which again are spacious and easily accessible. We noticed each department's floor space to be quite widespread however spaces got narrower when looking around specific sections. This could be a disadvantage to those who require additional space for equipment aids or during busy periods. We liked how diverse the department store is in terms of getting a wide variety of items for Christmas/ shopping. Again, if we were wanting to venture out to other stores, they are easily accessible as John Lewis also exits out in to Buchanan galleries, where both a lift and escalators are available.

While visiting John Lewis, it was apparent that some of the aisles where not accessible for wheelchair users, however there was room to manoeuvre throughout the store and also access available throughout the use of lifts. We also noticed that John Lewis offers shopping service to individuals if required this supports independence as you can go out on your own knowing that there is help available. There is also the added feature of the coffee shop where there is access for wheelchairs and accessible bathrooms

I visited the store on a Tuesday around lunch time. I wandered around the woman's department and men's department, visited the Clarins spa and used the cafe and toilets. The store wasn't too busy during my visit. Staff were all friendly and helpful. The store is easily accessed through extra large rotating doors and 2 sperate wide electronic doors using large push buttons. There is also access from Buchanan Galleries shopping centre. The toilets are large enough for an electronic scooter but are missing a shelf which may be required for people with unseen disabilities or conditions, for example someone with a stoma bag wishing to change a bag. Touch sensors for opening and closing toilet doors were useful and there was a phone inside the toilets. The cafe was quite busy but staff are on hand to help find a table and carry trays.