Waitrose has unveiled a new store format that bridges the gap between its large supermarkets and Little Waitrose convenience stores. The grocer plans to open dozens of these mid-sized 'neighbourhood' stores across the UK, targeting suburban areas and commuter towns with high footfall.
Store Details and Features
Each store will span approximately 7,000 square feet and stock around 6,500 products. They will feature larger bakeries and a wider range of cooking ingredients, with a focus on fresh food. Unlike Little Waitrose outlets, these stores will also include around 50 parking spaces.
Waitrose retail director Tina Mitchell said the chain is seeking 'right size, right location' sites nationwide with high footfall. The new format is seen as competing with Marks & Spencer, which operates over 1,000 stores in the UK.
Already Opened Locations
Some mid-sized stores have already opened in Leatherhead and Oxted in Surrey, Bromsgrove, Knutsford, and Jesmond in Newcastle. The recent opening at Chelmer Village Retail Park in Essex is 7,000 sq ft and stocks more than 6,500 products, including a bakery, fresh meat and fish counters, and a curated range of own-label items.
Waitrose Chelmer Village branch manager Richard Upton said: 'We’ve wanted to expand Waitrose in Essex and bring our fantastic quality products to even more food lovers in the area.'
Investment and Price Cuts
The neighbourhood stores are part of Waitrose's £1bn multi-year investment programme, which includes refurbishments, new openings, and other upgrades. Earlier this year, Waitrose slashed prices on essential items, investing over £20 million to cut costs by an average of 12% on more than 160 own-brand products.
