Waitrose will close a number of stores across the UK, it has been announced today.
Owners John Lewis Partnership said they would close four convenience shops and one small supermarket across the Waitrose franchise.
In a press released, Sir Charlie Mayfield, Chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, said the plans will help the retail giants “emerge stronger”.
He said: “The John Lewis Partnership is a unique business with different ownership, a different purpose and a different outlook to any of our competitors.
“As retail changes we need to tread a path that enables us to thrive as a business while building on the qualities that make us different.
“For us, the relentless pursuit of greater scale is not the right course. Our plans put differentiation, innovation and Partner led service at the heart of our offer.
“The measures that we have outlined today are an important next step in our strategy that will ensure we emerge stronger from this period of profound change.”
Waitrose has released the full list of stores that are closing down across the country, including two in London and two in Manchester.
Waitrose UK store closures full list
Spinningfields, Manchester
Manchester Piccadilly
Colemore Row, Birmingham
Portman Square, London
Camden, London
A Waitrose representative has confirmed the five UK stores set to close will be sold to other retail chains. The sales are said to complete in autumn, with the Waitrose stores remaining open until then.
The first four Little Waitrose stores have been sold to the Co-op: Spinningfields, Manchester, Manchester Piccadilly, Colemore Row, Birmingham and Portman Square, London.
The fifth on the list – a small Waitrose supermarket in Camden, London – has been sold to Aldi.
A spokesperson for Waitrose told Express.co.uk that the closure of the shops is “not something we take lightly”.
“The sale of these shops is not something we take lightly, but we have accepted offers for them as it is sadly – despite the best efforts of everyone involved – not commercially viable for us to continue trading from them in the long term,” said Ben Stimson, Waitrose Retail Director.
“Our priority is the wellbeing of our Partners working in those shops who will be fully supported throughout the process and we will identify opportunities for those wishing to remain with the business wherever possible.”
John Lewis Partnership owns 353 Waitrose stores across the country. This consists of 288 supermarkets and 65 convenience stores.
The John Lewis Partnership has issued a profit warning today together with the store closure announcement.
The group outlined a “focus on differentiation, not scale” in a press release on the John Lewis Partnership website today.
The release reads: “It is widely acknowledged that the retail sector is going through a period of generational change and every retailer’s response will be different.
“For the Partnership, the focus is on greater differentiation – not scale. We have clear plans to build on our strengths and to sharpen our points of difference in both Waitrose and John Lewis.
“These plans include further investment in and development of unique products and service, together with a greater emphasis on own brand and innovation.”
