Waitrose expands convenience store business
Waitrose has announced plans to open a record number of branches within the M25 next year, which will create up to 1,000 jobs.
The grocer said it was aiming to open 20 new ‘Little Waitrose’ convenience shops both in and around the capital by the end of 2012.
It follows a successful trial of the sub-brand ‘Little Waitrose’ at its Old Brompton Road shop in South Kensington, which opened in January this year.
It will become the largest number of branches Waitrose has ever opened in the area in one year and will provide an additional 100,000 sq ft of selling space.
The announcement builds on the investment the grocer is continuing to make in London this year with the opening one full-size supermarket and five convenience shops so far in 2011.
Waitrose Managing Director, Mark Price, said: “London is an important part of our heritage so this is another exciting milestone for our business. It demonstrates our ambition to continue increasing our presence and improving our accessibility to those who wish to shop with us.”
