Waitrose to Open 39 New Shops in 2011

The new store openings follow a successful Christmas for Waitrose, which saw the retailer’s sales grow by 8.9% and 5.4% on a like for like basis. (based on 23 days until December 23)

1/6/2011 --- Waitrose is to open 39 new shops this year, resulting in the creation of 3,000 jobs across the country.

The new store openings follow a successful Christmas for Waitrose, which saw the retailer’s sales grow by 8.9% and 5.4% on a like for like basis. (based on 23 days until December 23)

Waitrose’s strong December performance continued beyond Christmas with total sales up by 9.7% and 5.9% on a like for like basis (based on the five days Waitrose traded between Christmas and December 31st.) Sales were driven by a particularly strong New Year’s Eve with Champagne and party food top of customers’ shopping lists.

In 2011 Waitrose has 12 full sized supermarkets in the pipeline, including five new branches in the Channel Islands (which will open between February and April) and new shops in Stratford, Raynes Park, Wimbledon, Exeter, Marlow and Newton Mearns (Glasgow).

The remainder of the new branches will be convenience shops in locations including Old Brompton and Palmers Green (both opening in January).

Waitrose Managing Director, Mark Price, said: "Our strong Christmas trading figures give us confidence for the year ahead, when we will be continuing to invest in the future growth of our business.

"In the current climate we’re very pleased to be employing 3,000 new Partners within our business."

The new jobs will include management and non-management roles, as well as food specialists in meat, cheese, fish and wines.