Waitrose set to close five stores
Waitrose has announced the proposed closure of five of its stores, however a plan to open eight new shops during 2017 is set to create almost 600 new jobs.
Stores in Hertford (Bircherley Green Shopping Centre), Staines (Two Rivers Shopping Centre), Leek (Portland Street), Huntingdon (St Benedict’s Court) and Cardiff (Queen Street) are those due to close, subject to consultation with the employees working there.
Waitrose retail director, Ben Stimson, commented: “Whilst closing branches is always something we’d want to avoid, like any retail business we review our shops’ performance regularly and take action where needed. We will be consulting with our branch partners over the coming weeks on these proposed closures and will make sure they have all the support they need.”
There are also consultations taking place about the possible closure of the Palmers Green, London store.
In spite of the closure, Waitrose has confirmed that it intends to open eight new shops during 2017, two of which have already opened in Leatherhead and Faringdon.
New supermarkets in Haywards Heath and Banbury are also proposed, as well as new convenience stores in Bromsgrove, Finchley, Addlestone and Winchmore Hill.
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