Waitrose is accelerating investment in its physical retail estate with plans for new stores, an expansion of its Welcome Break partnership and a nationwide refurbishment programme across 30 existing locations this year.
The moves mark further progress in the supermarket’s £1bn multi-year investment programme, as it continues to grow and modernise its physical presence alongside its digital offer.
Under the programme, Waitrose is planning to open a new Little Waitrose in Ascot and expand its long-standing relationship with Welcome Break via four additional motorway service locations.
This will take the number of Waitrose at Welcome Break sites to 33 across the UK.
Related Story
Alongside its new openings, the grocery giant is investing millions in upgrading 30 shops this year, with seven refurbishments completed in March, as it continues to modernise its estate.
Waitrose said its previously announced plans remained on track, including a new site in Chelmsford, a full-line supermarket, and a 360,000 sq ft distribution centre in Bristol, which will serve around 50 of the supermarket’s existing shops.
Waitrose head of physical estate Alun Jones 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.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
