John Lewis Partnership plc · London United Kingdom

What began as a London drapery shop is today one of the UK's largest retailers -- and arguably its most oddly organized. John Lewis Partnership (JLP) runs about 25 John Lewis department stores and some 185 Waitrose supermarkets, primarily in London and southern England, but also in Scotland and Wales. Subsidiary Findlater Mackie Todd & Co. sells wine and spirits via mail order. JLP has several manufacturing subsidiaries that make wooden furniture, and bedding; its Leckford Estate grows apples, pears, mushrooms, and produces milk. JLP has an online shopping service, John Lewis Direct, and owns about 25% of Internet grocer Ocado, which delivers Waitrose products. To read the full description, subscribe now.