Grocer Waitrose has secured two new branches as it seeks to extend its store coverage.
Waitrose, which is part of the John Lewis Partnership, is taking over two locations which at present are leased to Asda. The stores, at Hale Barns in Manchester and Cricklewood in London, will open this autumn.
Asda is still trading at Hale Barns at the moment and staff will transfer to Waitrose and become partners in the employee-owned business. Cricklewood is a newly developed site.
The two openings will add 30,000 sq ft to Waitrose’s trading space and are part of £1bn, multi-year investment programme to improve shops, service and convenience for customers.
Waitrose retail director Tina Mitchell 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.”
Other new stores opening this year are Chelmer Village and Ascot, followed by Brabazon Bristol in 2028.
Waitrose, which generates annual sales of £8.5bn, has 300 shops altogether.
As part of the programme, Waitrose is also refurbishing 28 shops this year.
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