Waitrose is accelerating investment in its physical retail estate with plans for new shops, an expansion of its Welcome Break partnership and a nationwide refurbishment programme across 30 existing locations this year.
The latest moves mark further progress in the retailer’s £1 billion, multi-year investment programme, as Waitrose continues to grow and modernise its physical presence alongside its digital offer.
As part of the programme, Waitrose plans to open a new Little Waitrose in Ascot and expand its long-standing relationship with Welcome Break through four additional motorway service locations. This takes the number of Waitrose at Welcome Break sites to 33 across the UK.
Alongside new openings, Waitrose is investing millions in upgrading 30 shops this year, with seven refurbishments completed in March alone, as it continues to modernise its estate.
Previously announced plans remain on track, including a new site in Chelmsford, a full-line supermarket, as well as a 360,000sq ft distribution centre in Bristol, which will serve around 50 of the supermarket’s existing shops, with the capacity to support more.
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.”