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News
Waitrose to double rate of expansion in 2011
UK supermarket Waitrose is to open 39 new stores in 2011 – a move which will create 3,000 retail jobs across the country.
The expansion, at nearly double the rate of growth in 2010, comes on the back of strong Christmas trading, which saw the supermarket’s like-for-like December sales up 8.9%, driven by New Year’s Eve Champagne sales.
Among the planned stores to add to Waitrose’s 241 existing outlets are 12 full sized supermarkets, including five new branches in the Channel Islands.
The remainder of the new branches will be convenience stores.
"Our strong Christmas trading figures give us confidence for the year ahead, when we will be continuing to invest in the future growth of our business," said Waitrose managing director Mark Price.
"In the current climate we’re very pleased to be employing 3,000 new partners within our business."
The new jobs will include management and non-management roles, as well as specialists in meat, cheese, fish and wine.
Lucy Shaw, 10.01.2011