Retail: London Waitrose Opens First New Store in Six Years December 3rd, 2024 Deividas Krupstas Waitrose has officially opened its first new store in six years, marking a significant milestone in its growth strategy. The new Little Waitrose store, located in Hampton Hill, southwest London, is the retailer’s 47th convenience outlet and represents a key element of its £1 billion investment plan. This investment will span four years, focusing on expanding operations, renovating existing supermarkets, and increasing its footprint in the convenience market.The Hampton Hill store, approximately 3,000 square feet, reflects Waitrose’s strategic shift towards smaller, community-based convenience formats. The company is also exploring larger stores of up to 6,000 square feet to cater to diverse customer needs. Strengthening its partnerships with Welcome Break and Shell, Waitrose plans to open additional stores at service areas in Spaldwick and Rotherham, marking the first new openings with Welcome Break in over a decade.A standout feature of the Hampton Hill location is its innovative delivery hatch, designed to facilitate quick order pickups by delivery services like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. This new feature enhances the efficiency of collections for delivery riders while improving service for customers.Over the next five years, Waitrose plans to open 100 new stores as part of its broader expansion strategy. This includes new collaborations with Shell and Welcome Break and significant upgrades to its existing network. The company aims to redefine convenience shopping by combining premium food with accessible locations, cementing its role as a leader in the evolving retail landscape.
