Waitrose launches £1bn expansion with first new supermarket in eight years

Waitrose has opened a new 18,000 sq ft supermarket in Cricklewood, North London, marking its first new store opening in eight years. This launch is part of a broader £1bn multi-year investment programme aimed at expanding the retailer's physical estate through various supermarket, neighbourhood, and convenience formats.

Following the London opening, a second supermarket is scheduled to open in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester, next month. The retailer also has plans for four additional openings in 2027, including locations in Oakham, Bedminster, Chalk Farm, and Springstead Village. Additionally, Waitrose intends to refurbish approximately 29 to 30 existing stores this year, focusing on upgrades such as fresh meat and fish counters, sushi stations, and in-store bakeries.

In conjunction with these physical expansions, parent company John Lewis Partnership has announced the creation of 10,000 seasonal jobs to support the Christmas and Black Friday periods, with 6,000 of those roles allocated to Waitrose.