Waitrose is set for a push into the convenience store arena with the launch of a new chain to rival those from Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury's and Tesco in the UK.

According to a report in The Independent, the retailer will roll out its new concept early next year, and has appointed consultant Anthony Wysome as its head of convenience to spearhead the push into the €34.4bn market.

A Waitrose spokeswoman told the publication: 'We would hope to be trialling a shop within six to nine months.'

And Andrew Kasoulis of Credit Suisse added: 'The obvious one that Waitrose will trade against would be M&S Simply Food. But convenience stores are difficult to get right, and if Waitrose is successful in this market then it will be a while before they hurt anyone.'

The stores are expected to be sized between 278m2 and 372m2, and follow the launch of the group's market-town stores earlier in the year.

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