As 2007 draws to a close, today’s announcement from Waitrose outlining its overseas ambitions sets the tone for one the fascinating plot lines likely to develop in 2008.

For years the John Lewis Partnership and its supermarket chain have enjoyed relative anonymity in building a business that is the envy of the rest of the high-street.

Sir Terry Leahy recently remarked that Tesco was taking market share from every one of its competitors “bar Waitrose”, while the smart money is on John Lewis being one of the few Christmas winners.

This success has been achieved through stability, measured growth and a private ownership structure, where staff, or ‘partners’ share in the group’s profit.

However Charlie Mayfield, the new John Lewis chairman, believes it is now time to take the Partnership to the next level and double turnover at both John Lewis and Waitrose over the next decade.

John Lewis was far more aggressive in its advertising this Christmas while Mark Price, Waitrose managing director, has recently attacked Tesco over its dominance and sounded off about rivals “duping” customers when announcing headline-grabbing price cuts.

John Lewis is flexing its muscles, taking the battle to the competition and in doing so entering unchartered terrority.

The key challenge for the Partnership will be how reaches its goals without losing the service standards, and quality edge, that has helped it attract a fiercely loyal customer base.

In coming of age, John Lewis and Waitrose must guard against growing pains.

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