Waitrose steps up investment into store estate
Waitrose is set to grow its store estate with the opening of a new store in Ascot, Berkshire, and the expansion of its franchise partnership with Welcome Break.
Scheduled to open this autumn, the 3,000 sq ft Ascot store will occupy a former bank on the town’s High Street offering groceries and on-site parking.
Meanwhile, the supermarket retailer will also expand on its existing franchise relationship with roadside operator Welcome Break, opening four new stores. Two of these stores are already open at service stations near Peterborough and Bodmin, Cornwall, bringing Waitrose’s presence to 33 Welcome Break sites nationally. Further openings are scheduled at stations near Spalding and Whitely, in the coming months.
Last month, Waitrose invested into the refurbishment of five supermarkets in Haslemere, Barnet, Chiswick, Ruislip, and Menai Bridge, as well as two convenience stores in Knutsford and Muswell Hill.
In total, 30 Waitrose stores across the country will be refurbished this year as part of a £1bn, multi-year investment programme.
Alun Jones, head of physical estate at Waitrose, said: “Our new Ascot store and expanded partnership with Welcome Break strengthens our physical retail presence alongside the acceleration of our store refurbishment programme. Whether it’s a restaurant-quality dinner for two, a picnic at the races or a top up shop, we’re investing to make it even easier for food lovers to discover the best quality products and experience our renowned customer service.”
The retailer has also exchanged on a new 7,000 sq ft site at Chelmer Village Retail Park in Chelmsford, with the store due to open this year. A new full-line Waitrose supermarket at Brabazon in Bristol is also planned for 2028.