Waitrose has confirmed it will take over the former Asda supermarket in Hale Barns, Altrincham, which closed on Friday (July 31). The store, which opened just two years prior, will reopen under the Waitrose name in the autumn, with an exact date yet to be announced.
Closure and Transition
Asda's Hale Barns store, an 11,000 sq ft supermarket, shut its doors for good last week. The closure was announced in May, with Asda thanking staff and the local community for their support. Employees at the former Asda store are set to transition to Waitrose as part of the takeover.
An Asda spokesperson told the M.E.N: "Like all major supermarkets, we regularly review our store estate to ensure it continues to meet customer needs and remains commercially sustainable. We'd like to thank our colleagues and the local community at our Hale Barns store and reassure customers they can continue to access Asda's great value and products at our nearby Altrincham and Wythenshawe superstores, or online at Asda.com."
Investment Plans
The move is part of a £1bn investment by Waitrose to open and improve stores. Alongside Hale Barns, Waitrose will open a new store in Cricklewood, North West London. Tina Mitchell, Waitrose Retail Director, said: "These two new shops are an important step in our plans to bring Waitrose to more customers. We want to be in the places that matter most to our customers, offering the quality, service and convenience they expect from Waitrose, while continuing to invest in our existing shops and wider network."
Prior to Asda's occupancy in May 2024, the site was home to a Booths supermarket. Alun Jones, Waitrose's Head of Physical Estate, previously said: "Growing our presence in the north is important to us and the Hale Barns store is a significant next step in our plan. Alongside our stores in Altrincham and Wilmslow, Hale Barns is a great fit for our brand."
