John Lewis Losses Widen as Taxes Take Toll on UK Retailer

John Lewis Partnership Plc’s losses widened after the retailer was hit by tens of millions of pounds of costs linked to the UK’s new packaging rules and higher employment tax.

The retailer, which runs the eponymous department chain and upmarket grocer Waitrose, reported a first-half loss before tax and exceptional items of £34 million ($46 million) — up from £5 million a year earlier, even as it reported stronger performances from both brands.

John Lewis said its performance was impacted by £29 million of costs from Britain’s packaging levy, as well as added national insurance contributions — an employers’ ...