Waitrose opens new concept ‘Food & Home’ shop
Waitrose has reopened its Salisbury branch as a new concept ‘Food & Home’ shop.
Employing 550 staff, the 55,000 square foot store includes a dedicated collection point where customers can collect online orders from Waitrose, John Lewis, and Waitrose Entertaining. There is also a soft-seating area showing Waitrose TV where customers can use fitting rooms to try on orders before leaving the shop.
The new trial concept has been introduced in response to the fact that fashion orders now make up 45% of John Lewis click & collect orders, and more during price match periods. In the year to date, John Lewis orders collected in Waitrose stores have increased by 75%.
To accommodate the increased orders, which are expected to build to 2,000 per week by the second half of the 2015 financial year, Waitrose has built a separate building with a 20 van delivery fleet.
The store also includes Waitrose’s second Cookery School, its first outside of London, and a wine bar serving tapas, wines and local beers. In addition, the shop is home to the largest ever Waitrose café.
The shop will also trial a new-look fruit and vegetable section with market-feel wooden fixtures, seasonal displays and tasting pods. In addition, TV screens have been placed around the shop with the aim of inspiring customers around the shop.
Waitrose managing director Mark Price said: “Food retail is undergoing huge structural change – driven by lifestyle changes and an increased use of technology. It is essential that our shops are at the forefront of our strategic response to these changes, preparing us for the future of retail and retaining our leadership in innovation and customer service in the grocery sector.”
