Waitrose to create 1,500 jobs in 2016
Waitrose has revealed that it expects to create 1,500 jobs in new branches and its e-commerce grocery depot in 2016.
The retailer intends to open 14 new shops across the UK from spring next year, including five new supermarkets and nine new little Waitrose convenience shops.
Together, they will add almost 200,000 square feet of selling space to the estate.
Supermarkets due to open in the spring include High Wycombe, Uttoxeter and Solihull while stores opening in the summer will include Truro and Worcester.
In addition, Waitrose is planning to add new little Waitrose shops in the South Bank Tower in central London and Leatherhead in Surrey over the summer period and has plans for seven more convenience branches in new locations throughout next year.
Up to 200 roles will also be created in Waitrose’s e-commerce fulfilment centre in Coulsdon in south London to service its expanding number of branches.
Waitrose said it aims to introduce more of its latest concepts into the new branches including welcome desks, wine bars, juice bars, and areas for grazing and informal dining.
The retailer now has five shops with a wine and beer bar, eight with a juice bar and recently became the first national supermarket to install a freshly made sushi counter in its shops after launching sushi counters in its Battersea Nine Elms and Bath branches in partnership with Kelly Deli.
Waitrose director of development, Nigel Keen, said: “At a time when many retailers’ estates are contracting, we are delighted to be opening new shops around the country and giving 1,500 people the opportunity to become Partners in our business. Many of these new shops will go beyond the traditional supermarket, delivering exciting modern shopping experiences, which tap into the growing demand for grazing and casual dining.”
