Waterstones returns to Oxford Street with a busy autumn calendar
After eight years away, Waterstones is back inside John Lewis’s Oxford Street flagship. Doors open at 10am on Tuesday 8 October, and the booksellers are rolling out a space built for browsing, quick recommendations, and the kind of author moments that turn a casual visit into a story to take home. The shop holds close to 20,000 titles, a sizable range for a city-center department store, set just ahead of the peak gifting season.
The timing isn’t accidental. Oxford Street is shaking off a rough patch and leaning hard into experiences people can’t get online. A well-stocked bookshop with a steady stream of signings is exactly that. For John Lewis, it’s another reason to linger in the building. For readers, it’s a chance to meet big-name authors and pick up signed copies before the holidays.
Store manager Luke Scott said the team has been building the space in the middle of day-to-day footfall and getting the tables ready with fresh picks. In plain terms: they want it to feel welcoming and useful—somewhere you can ask for a quick rec, find a gift in five minutes, or stay an hour and leave with a new favorite.
What’s on: the events lineup
The programme starts on opening day with Alexander Armstrong signing his debut children’s novel, Evenfall: The Golden Linnet (Farshore). The following weekend brings kid-friendly meet-and-greets: Peter Rabbit on Saturday 11 October and Bunny from Jamie Smart’s Bunny vs Monkey series (David Fickling Books) on Sunday 12 October.
- Saturday 19 October: etiquette expert William Hanson signs his latest book.
- Thursday 24 October: David Walliams appears with illustrator Adam Stower for a joint signing.
- Friday 25 October: designer Patrick Grant visits for a book signing.
- Saturday 9 November: celebrity chef Rick Stein hosts an in-store event and signing.
- Sunday 1 December: Dame Jacqueline Wilson signs copies of her adult fiction and her newest children’s book.
It’s a smart mix: household names for families, a chef with TV pull, and a fashion figure who brings a different crowd. Expect queues for Walliams and Wilson, and food fans turning up early for Rick Stein. Signed stock is likely to move fast—ideal for early Christmas lists.
Most events are set up as in-store signings, which keeps things simple for shoppers already passing through John Lewis. Exact timings, capacity, and any ticket details will be posted in-store ahead of each appearance, and staff will guide queuing on the day.
The children’s focus across October should make the space buzzy on weekends. Peter Rabbit is a guaranteed photo stop, and Jamie Smart’s Bunny vs Monkey has the kind of playground word-of-mouth that packs out tables. Pair that with Armstrong’s debut on opening day and you’ve got a family-friendly first week designed to build momentum.
There’s also range beyond kids’ titles. William Hanson brings a lifestyle crowd, Patrick Grant taps design and fashion readers, and Stein draws anyone who cooks—or just watches food TV. Wilson bridges generations; many parents grew up with her books and now bring their kids to meet her. That cross-over is exactly what department store concessions aim for: different audiences finding a shared stop under one roof.
For Oxford Street, this is another nudge back toward culture-led retail. Book signings remain one of the few ways a shop can offer something the internet can’t. You meet the author, get the signature, maybe add a note to a gift, and leave with a story behind the purchase. Waterstones has long used that model to build loyal local followings; bringing it into John Lewis should amplify it with steady footfall.
Shoppers can expect the core Waterstones experience—front-of-store tables with new releases, staff picks for quick decisions, and seasonal gift ideas—alongside the rolling events. If you’re aiming for signed copies, the safe move is to visit on the day and arrive early. If you’re browsing, the team says they’re ready with recommendations for every age group and budget.
The headline remains simple: a well-known bookseller is back in a high-traffic spot, and it’s hitting the ground running. An opening week signing, character meet-ups for kids, and a calendar that stretches to December suggest this isn’t a quiet return—it’s a statement that books and busy high streets still belong together.
Arlen Fitzpatrick
My name is Arlen Fitzpatrick, and I am a sports enthusiast with a passion for soccer. I have spent years studying the intricacies of the game, both as a player and a coach. My expertise in sports has allowed me to analyze matches and predict outcomes with great accuracy. As a writer, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and love for soccer with others, providing insights and engaging stories about the beautiful game. My ultimate goal is to inspire and educate soccer fans, helping them to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the sport.
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