Waitrose to open 100 stores in five years amid trading boost

Waitrose is planning to open 100 convenience stores over the next five years as part of a £1bn-plus investment in new outlets and shop refurbishments.

- Sarah Butler

The upmarket grocery chain will begin a fresh phase of expansion with its first new store in six years in Hampton Hill, west London, by the end of this year.

James Bailey, Waitrose's executive director, said the group planned to open up to four large supermarkets as well as more Little Waitrose convenience stores over the next five years, some of which may include relocations from existing sites.

He said older stores were also being refurbished to feature "more of what people expect from us and love such as counters, unequalled service and a lot more fresh food". He said Waitrose was continuing to invest in technology to ensure there were no longer gaps on shelves after IT problems and a warehouse fire which led to stocking issues in 2022 and 2023.