Waitrose has unveiled plans to extend its business into new areas by
developing its first convenience format.
The retailer, which is aiming to double the size of the business by 2017,
will open its first convenience shop in Trinity Square, Nottingham on
December 11th. The new 5,815ft store will be located opposite the city's
existing John Lewis department store.
It will be the first of an initial trial of the format, which aims to see a
further three Waitrose convenience stores open by spring next year. While
the locations of these stores are still to be decided, they will have sales
areas ranging between 5,000sq ft and 7,000sq ft.
The shops, will offer something unique within the convenience market place,
building on the brand's reputation for quality produce and excellent
customer service.
Unlike other convenience stores, there will be a strong focus on specialist
service counters and fresh produce. This will include specialist cheeses, a
fresh meat and fish counter and freshly baked bread.
There will also be a self service food bar where customers can choose from
breakfast foods including smoothies, granola and yoghurts in the morning,
freshly made baguettes, sandwiches and salads at lunch and meals for the
evening.
Mark Price, Waitrose Managing Director, said: “The new format further
reinforces the strengths of our brand and the values that run throughout our
business. We believe you shouldn't have to compromise on the standard of
your shopping experience just because a store is smaller and designed for
convenience.
”We want to revive that old fashioned personalised service in convenience
shops, which consumers value, but within a fresh and contemporary setting.
”We have always taken pride in the quality and freshness of our offer and
this new format will be no exception. There will be a range of service
counters and fresh foods currently unparalleled in the convenience sector.”
The retailer is also currently also trialling a market town format designed
for shops between 10,000sq ft and 15,000sq ft.
