Waitrose job boost bucks the trend

Waitrose Expects to create 2,000 jobs in new and extended shops as it moves to increase its share of the convenience market.
Waitrose will open 14 new storesWaitrose will open 14 new stores
Waitrose will open 14 new stores

The retailer is opening 14 new shops across the country from spring - with half being ‘little Waitrose’ convenience shops. This comes on top of two shops which have already opened this month. Currently 60 of its 336 stores are smaller convenience branches.

Further jobs will be created at its distribution department, in addition to new jobs already announced through the opening of a new e-commerce grocery depot in Coulsdon, South London.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The announcement comes amid store closures and job losses elsewhere as the industry comes to terms with a continued squeeze from discounters.

Earlier this month, Tesco announced plans for 43 store closures and the cancellation of 49 new stores, while Morrisons will close 10 loss-making stores with the loss of 409 jobs.

Waitrose director of development Nigel Keen said: “Our expansion story continues as we take the brand to more customers and invest in our omni-channel approach. Last year many of our new branches received than more than 10 applications for every vacancy - so we’re delighted to be able to create an additional 2,000 roles in 2015.”