Waitrose steps up investment in new shops and refurbishments
Waitrose is stepping up investment in its physical retail estate with plans for new stores, refurbishments in 30 locations, and an expansion of its partnership with Welcome Break.
The move forms part of the supermarket’s £1 billion multi-year investment programme as it continues to grow and modernise its physical presence alongside its digital offering.
Subscribe to TRBThe retailer has announced that it will be opening a new Little Waitrose shop in Ascot this year and also said that previously announced plans for its physical estate remain on track. These include a new site in Chelmsford, a full-line supermarket, as well as a 360,000 square foot distribution centre in Bristol, which will serve around 50 existing shops.
Waitrose will also be expanding its long-standing relationship with Welcome Break through the addition of four new motorway service shops, taking the number of Waitrose at Welcome Break sites to 33 across the UK.
Alongside new openings, Waitrose is investing in the upgrade of 30 shops this year. Last month, the supermarket reopened its Haslemere store after a multi-million pound refurbishment.
Alun Jones, head of Waitrose physical estate, said: “We are investing in our physical estate to bring the best of Waitrose to more customers in more places.
“From new shops and franchise growth to refurbishments across our existing estate, these investments reflect our confidence in the role our shops continue to play in how customers want to shop with us.”
