Waitrose is stepping up its challenge to independent convenience retailers with the launch of a new “neighbourhood” store format designed to bridge the gap between a convenience store and a full-line supermarket.
The retailer said the concept forms part of a £1 billion investment programme to expand and modernise its estate, with the first neighbourhood shop opening at Chelmer Village in Essex. The move comes as Waitrose resumes sustained store expansion for the first time in almost a decade, having opened its first new store in six years during 2024.
Targeted at busy suburban communities where the brand already has a strong following, the new format is aimed squarely at shoppers making top-up and convenience trips that have traditionally been the preserve of local convenience stores.
At around 7,000 sq ft, the stores will stock more than 6,500 products, offering customers everything from fresh food for a top-up shop and meal-for-tonight purchases to a broader grocery range intended to make Waitrose part of shoppers' regular weekly routine.
The retailer said the format combines the accessibility of a convenience store with the range and quality associated with its supermarkets.
The neighbourhood concept forms part of a wider multi-format expansion strategy that also includes new supermarkets, convenience stores and travel retail outlets.
This year, Waitrose plans to open two full-line supermarkets in Hale Barns, Manchester, and Cricklewood, London, alongside another at Brabazon in Bristol. A new convenience store is also scheduled to open in Ascot, while the retailer continues to grow its travel retail presence through four new RELAY stores at Heathrow Terminal 2, in addition to its existing partnerships with Welcome Break and Shell forecourts.
The retailer is also actively seeking new sites across towns, suburbs and city centres, with dedicated property requirements for convenience stores of 4,000-5,000 sq ft, neighbourhood stores of 9,000-10,000 sq ft and supermarkets of up to 37,500 sq ft.
Tina Mitchell, retail director at Waitrose, said the expansion reflected changing shopping habits.
“As the 'Home of Food Lovers,' our growth is shaped by adapting to how our customers live and shop. Today's consumers no longer rely on a single weekly trip to the supermarket; grocery shopping is an omnichannel experience,” Mitchell said.
“Backed by our multi-year £1 billion investment plan, our ambition is to be wherever our customers want us. We are looking for high-footfall, 'right size, right location' sites nationwide to make it easier than ever for people to experience our uncompromising standards, quality and expert Partner service.”
The expansion is supported by a broader omnichannel strategy, with Waitrose continuing to invest in its online grocery business and rapid delivery partnerships with Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats.
Alongside opening new stores, the retailer is refurbishing 28 existing branches this year after completing upgrades to 23 stores in 2025, while a new distribution centre at Avonmouth is due to open early next year to support further growth.
The announcement comes as Waitrose said it is outperforming the grocery market, with My Waitrose membership up six per cent year on year and its Net Promoter Score improving by 10 points.