Marking the supermarket's long awaited return to Chiswick

Pupils from Belmont Primary School officially opened Waitrose at 8.00am this morning (Thursday December 4th) marketing the supermarket's return to the High Road.

The arrival of Waitrose has generated 130 jobs for the local community with all new employees becoming Partners in the business, as all staff within the John Lewis Partnership are known. This will entitle them to a say in how the business is run and an annual share in profits.

The shop is one of four stores the retailer acquired from Woolworths in a property deal earlier this year. Waitrose has already opened at the former Woolworths in Edgware Road and will open its first store in Clapham Junction on the same day as Chiswick. The final acquired store will open in Islington next year.

Waitrose Branch Manager, Mark Stevens, said, “Whenever we open a Waitrose, we always aim to ensure the shop has a local identity and our offer reflects the community.

“We’ll be offering a wide selection of local and regional produce, giving shoppers the chance to support small suppliers and producers from their area. This will include dressings from The French Dressing Company in Chiswick “We’ll be offering a wide selection of local and regional produce, giving shoppers the chance to support small suppliers and producers from their area. This will include dressings from The French Dressing Company in Chiswick and coffee and fruit beers from Meantime Brewing Company in Greenwich.

“Our aim is to provide a relaxed and enjoyable food shopping experience and we’re looking forward to welcoming our new Partners and inviting new customers to discover the Waitrose brand.”

The supermarket will offer a wide range of fresh foods including dedicated meat, fish, delicatessen and cheese service counters, together with the supermarket’s award winning wine collection.

Customers can make use of the range of time-saving services, including Waitrose Delivery, which allows customers to shop in-branch then have their goods delivered straight to their front door. It’s perfect for those shopping on their lunchbreak or who wish to carry out a big shop and then give their arms a rest by not having to carry it home.

December 9, 2008