Waitrose is investing in two full-line supermarkets in Hale Barns, South Manchester, and Cricklewood, North West London, as it continues to reach more customers in new areas.
The stores, totalling more than 30,000sq ft of selling space, are expected to open in the autumn. They mark the latest step in Waitrose’s £1bn, multi-year investment programme, focused on improving shops, service and convenience for customers.
At present both sites are leased by Asda – Hale Barns is currently trading, while Cricklewood is a newly developed site. Asda employees working at Hale Barns will become Waitrose Partners and recruitment will take place to fill additional roles at both stores.
Tina Mitchell, Waitrose retail director, said: “These two new shops are an important step in our plans to bring Waitrose to more customers. We want to be in the places that matter most to our customers, offering the quality, service and convenience they expect from Waitrose, while continuing to invest in our existing shops and wider network.”
The news follows Waitrose’s announcement that it is launching into airport travel retail for the first time, with Waitrose products to be stocked in four RELAY stores in Heathrow Terminal 2.
The move forms part of Waitrose’s wider growth strategy, which includes opening in new locations, expanding through additional channels and continuing to invest in its existing estate. As part of its long-term programme to modernise its shop estate, Waitrose is refurbishing 28 shops this year, improving the in-store experience for customers across the country.
