Waitrose has opened its first new convenience store in six years, located in Hampton Hill, South West London.
- The retailer aims to open up to 100 new stores in five years, investing £1 billion in this expansion.
- This new store offers unique features, including areas for quick meals and a drink station with popular coffee options.
- A new on-demand hatch feature supports delivery services like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat.
- Self-service checkouts complement traditional tills, highlighting flexible customer service.
Waitrose has unveiled its first new convenience store in six years, situated in Hampton Hill, South West London. This marks a significant milestone for the retailer, known for its upscale offerings. The store represents the 47th of its kind operated by Waitrose.
The supermarket chain is embarking on an ambitious journey to open up to 100 new stores over the next five years as part of a substantial £1 billion investment. This expansion strategy aligns with Waitrose’s plan to cater to local communities with stores designed around shoppers’ preferences.
Hampton Hill’s new store incorporates distinct sections tailored for today’s busy consumers, such as a ‘dinner for tonight’ area and a dedicated beer and wine section. These additions aim to meet customer demands for convenience and variety. The store also features a fresh bakery and a beverage station serving popular drinks like americanos and lattes from the Nero Roasting Company.
A standout feature of the Hampton Hill location is the innovative on-demand hatch, which streamlines the process for delivery drivers from services like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. This advancement strengthens Waitrose’s partnerships with these delivery platforms.
The introduction of self-service checkouts at the store reflects a modern approach to shopping, yet the presence of manned tills remains crucial. Retail Director Tina Mitchell emphasizes, “Manned tills are still really important to us. We’re not in the camp of just going down the self-service route, because we want to be able to serve our customers in whatever way they want to be served.”
As Waitrose continues to explore new locations, further openings at Welcome Break sites on major motorways signal a robust growth strategy. This includes recent additions on the A14 in Spaldwick and the M1 in Rotherham. The partnership with Welcome Break enhances accessibility and convenience for travelers. Moreover, Waitrose plans to expand its supply to more than 100 Shell forecourt shops across the UK by 2025.
Waitrose’s latest store opening in Hampton Hill marks the start of a significant expansion plan demonstrating the retailer’s commitment to growing its convenience offerings.
