Waitrose is stepping up investment in its physical retail estate, with plans for new shops, expanding its Welcome Break partnership, and a nationwide refurbishment programme.
The latest moves are part of the retailer’s £1 billion, multi-year investment programme to grow and modernise its physical estate alongside its digital offer.
The latest investment will see Waitrose open a new convenience outlet in Ascot and expand its long-standing agreement with Welcome Break through four additional motorway service sites. This will take the number of Waitrose at Welcome Break sites to 33 across the UK.
Alongside new openings, the grocery is investing millions in upgrading 30 shops this year, with seven refurbishments having been completed last month.
Meanwhile, the group noted that its previously announced plans remain on track, including a full-line supermarket in Chelmsford and a 360,000 sq. ft. distribution centre in Bristol, which will serve around 50 of its existing stores, with the capacity to support more.
Alun Jones, Head of Waitrose Physical Estate, commented: “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.”