The first episode looks at how the worst recession in the history of John Lewis takes its toll on the business. The half-yearly results send shock waves throughout the company.

This edition sees the steps that are being taken by the business to boost sales and control costs; the fashion floors are being revamped, an enormous new shop is being built in Wales, a brand new distribution centre has opened in Milton Keynes and to control costs, the old warehouse in Stevenage is closing down. Jobs are being lost and there is a pervading sense of unease in the corridors of the London Head Office.