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“John Lewis and Waitrose are part of the fabric of everyday British life,” he continued.

He also warned that John Lewis risks losing its appeal to younger generations, as well as its established demographic.

Ms. Portas said: “At a time when we crave consistency and comfort from brands we can really trust, she has been chasing the new.

“But here’s the thing: that’s not what we really want from John Lewis. And here’s the other thing: that’s not what the younger generations want from you either.”

He ended the letter by saying that the failure of John Lewis and Waitrose “is not an option.”

The John Lewis Partnership is the UK’s largest employee-owned business with its retail brands, John Lewis and Waitrose, owned in trust by its 80,000 members.

It has 34 John Lewis stores plus one outlet and 332 Waitrose stores across the UK, along with its retail websites.

Ms. Portas also posted a response from Ms. White, who said that being president of John Lewis is “the greatest privilege of (her) life.”

“We want our brands to continue to grow,” he wrote. “We have always been open to new partnerships with like-minded investors or companies to share our growth.

“I will not rest until society is fully restored.”

Ms Portas, who began her own career with a Saturday job at John Lewis, was appointed by David Cameron to lead a review of the future of Britain’s shopping streets in 2011.

She is also known for her appearances on the BBC and Channel 4.