Waitrose opens first full-line supermarket in eight years in Cricklewood
Waitrose has opened its first full-line supermarket in eight years, with a new 18,000 square foot store in London’s Cricklewood.
The shop marks the next phase in the rollout of the retailer’s Home of Food Lovers concept, which was first trialled in Newbury. The format is the blueprint for Waitrose’s new openings and refurbishments.
Subscribe to TRBShoppers will find dedicated meat, fish and sushi counters, alongside a dry-aged beef cabinet and a hand-cut and speciality cheeses counter. There is also an on-site bakery and a Fine & Rare wine selection. The fruit and veg section champions organic, Fairtrade and regeneratively farmed produce.
Tina Mitchell, Waitrose retail director, said: “Our supermarkets provide the ultimate showcase for everything that sets Waitrose apart – from our unmatched quality and industry-leading welfare standards to the expert service of our Partners.
“Opening Cricklewood as our first new full-line supermarket in eight years marks an important step in bringing Waitrose closer to more communities. We continue to invest in the right shops in the right locations alongside delivering the experience customers expect from Waitrose through our online offering and wider network.”
In a further move, Waitrose will open a new supermarket in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester, this November.
The retailer has also announced the acquisition of four new sites as part of its strategy to have the right stores in the right locations. Alongside the two new supermarkets, there will be a new neighbourhood store in Oakham, Rutland, and three new convenience stores in Bedminster, Bristol; Chalk Farm, London; and Springstead Village, Cambridge. All four will open from 2027.
The announcements form part of Waitrose’s £1 billion multi-year investment plan, which includes expansion, store updates and the growth of its online and wholesale channels, to provide the best experience for customers.
In addition to supermarkets, Waitrose operates two other store types, including small convenience stores in busy urban areas and mid-size neighbourhood stores in suburban areas, that carry more than 6,500 products.
