Waitrose admits blocking rivals from opening nearby stores
Following an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority, Waitrose has admitted to signing land agreements which blocked other supermarkets from opening stores nearby.
The grocer was found to have made seven breaches of the Groceries Market Investigation (Controlled Land) Order 2010 between 2010 and 2019 after the CMA took a closer look at how supermarkets were competing.
The breaches related to locations in Bromsgrove, Rustington, Swindon, Daventry, Chester, Notting Hill Gate and Market Harborough.
To comply with the order, Waitrose has agreed to remove restrictions from land agreements which prevented rivals from setting up new stores
Adam Land, senior director of remedies at the CMA, said: “It’s disappointing that Waitrose has acted against the interests of shoppers, despite these rules having been in place for over 10 years.
“Families across the UK are facing the rising cost of living. Preventing other supermarkets from opening new stores could stop people saving on their weekly shop.
“Waitrose is now putting this right so that everyone gets a fair deal. We will continue to take action when our rules are broken, and we have asked all supermarkets to show us their land deals comply with the order.”
