Retailer’s new ‘Home of Food Lovers’ concept offers fruit and veg section championing organic, Fairtrade and regeneratively farmed produce
Waitrose has opened its first new full-line supermarket in nearly a decade as part of a multi-year £1bn expansion plan.
The new 18,000 sq ft store, located in Cricklewood in North London, opened yesterday on Thursday 22 October.
The retailer also revealed its plans to open another store in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester next month, followed by four smaller stores next year, including a supermarket in Oakham, Rutland and three convenience stores due to open in 2027 in Bedminster in Bristol, Chalk Farm in London and Springstead Village in Cambridge.
Waitrose also said it will undertake 29 store refurbishments during 2026 as part of the investment programme.
The Cricklewood store is said to mark the next phase in rolling out Waitrose’s ‘Home of Food Lovers’ concept, which the retailer said will serve as the blueprint for new openings and refurbishments, adapted to suit each local community.
Quality, food integrity and animal welfare will be central to the offering, with key features including a fruit and veg section championing organic, Fairtrade and regeneratively farmed produce, alongside counters dedicated to meat, fish and sushi, cheeses, wine and an on-site bakery.
Tina Mitchell, Waitrose retail director, said: “Opening Cricklewood as our first new full-line supermarket in eight years marks an important step in bringing Waitrose closer to more communities.
“We continue to invest in the right shops in the right locations alongside delivering the experience customers expect from Waitrose through our online offering and wider network,” she added.
To support exisiting stores and unlock further growth, the retailer added it will also open its first South West distribution centre in Avonmouth early next year.
