Waitrose has opened its first new convenience store in six years, reaffirming its growth strategy.
- The new store is located in Hampton Hill, southwest London, marking its 47th convenience outlet.
- Waitrose aims to broaden its reach through partnerships with Welcome Break and Shell.
- The retailer plans to introduce smaller and potentially larger stores, adapting to customer needs.
- Strategic partnerships with delivery platforms ensure enhanced customer service and accessibility.
After a six-year hiatus, Waitrose has launched a new convenience store in Hampton Hill, southwest London. The opening is part of Waitrose’s strategic plan to enhance its presence in the convenience sector, utilizing partnerships with Welcome Break and Shell to extend its reach. Currently, Waitrose operates 47 convenience stores, with more openings planned in Spaldwick and Rotherham in the coming months.
The Hampton Hill store showcases a unique feature with a hatch designed to facilitate easier collections for delivery services such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. This feature, reflecting the evolving demands of customers, underscores Waitrose’s commitment to adapting its services to modern needs. As Waitrose executive director James Bailey observed, the perception of food availability at service stations is shifting to meet higher customer expectations for quality and convenience.
Waitrose’s expansion strategy includes introducing smaller stores, typically around 3,000 square feet, but also considers the potential for larger sites up to 6,000 square feet. This flexibility allows Waitrose to cater to varying customer preferences and location demands. In addition to these developments, Waitrose’s supply partnership with Shell has reached over 100 forecourt shops across the UK, with further expansions planned for 2025.
Commenting on the collaboration, Welcome Break’s commercial director Adrian Grimes expressed optimism about the partnership’s success and the potential for more Little Waitrose stores in the future. The partnership is designed to enhance customer convenience by offering a wide range of quality products during travel. This strategic move aligns with Waitrose’s goal of solidifying its market position while bringing its signature quality and value to a broader audience.
Waitrose’s new store and partnerships highlight its dynamic approach to meet evolving consumer expectations in the convenience sector.
