Welcome to the world of Waitrose. If you're a fan of high-quality groceries, exceptional customer service, and an enjoyable shopping experience, then you've come to the right place. With its wide range of products sourced from local suppliers and around the globe, Waitrose has established itself as one of the most trusted names in British retail.
But finding a Waitrose store near you shouldn't be a daunting task. In fact, it should be as easy as picking out your favourite bottle of wine or selecting that perfect cut of meat for Sunday dinner. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through the wonderful world of Waitrose stores – from their locations and opening times to the services they offer and special facilities available.
So whether you're looking for fresh produce for your next culinary masterpiece or simply craving some indulgent treats to satisfy your sweet tooth, sit back, relax, and let us guide you on how to find a Waitrose store near you.
Waitrose is the supermarket chain of the John Lewis retail group, and consists of 198 branches spread across the country. Waitrose currently has a 4% share of the grocery market and also holds an 18% share of the organic food market.
As with its parent company, the supermarket has built a reputation on targeting a middle-class market, with a high emphasis on quality food and customer service.
Waitrose also differs from the other major supermarkets as it is not owned by shareholders and the City. Instead, it is owned by all employees of the John Lewis Partnership, known as “partners”.
Find a Waitrose Supermarket Near Me
Use Supermarket.co.uk to find your nearest Waitrose store, address details , supermarket opening times and the facilities offered at your local supermarket branches.
Supermarket opening hours vary considerably to check your local supermarket opening hours before you visit the branch.
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Waitrose Near Me
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History
Waitrose was founded in 1904 by Wallace Waite, Arthur Rose and David Taylor. The trio opened their first shop in Acton Hill, West London . The name “Waitrose” (a portmanteau of the remaining founders’ names – Taylor left in 1906) was adopted in 1908. The major change came in 1937 when the business was taken over by the John Lewis Partnership and the then-160 Waitrose employees were made “partners”, or co-owners of the business.
The first Waitrose supermarket opened in Streatham, London in 1955, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that the company started to grow outside of the capital and the South East regions and into the North and West of England.
In the 1980s, Waitrose became the first major chain to begin selling organic food.
Long-term growth
Aong term goal for Waitrose is to have around 400 stores (double its current business) throughout the UK by 2017, with a larger presence in Wales , the South West, the North of England, and Scotland .
Over the years, the company has expanded its store portfolio by purchasing a number of stores from the likes of Morrisons and Somerfield. In January 2009 Waitrose completed its acquisition of 13 Co-operative (Co-op) sites, and confirmed plans to build nine new stores in 2009.
The 22 new stores will add 4,000 partners to the business and increase its portfolio to 220 supermarkets, marking the largest expansion in the company’s history and boosting its nationwide presence.
Waitrose has also opened a number of smaller market-town stores and convenience stores in order to expand the business and go head to head with the likes of Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local and the Simply Food stores from Marks and Spencer.
Waitrose stores
Waitrose operates three store formats: standard Waitrose supermarkets, smaller market town stores and the recently-launched convenience store format.
- Supermarkets – Waitrose supermarkets focus on high quality produce. They stock a large number of own-brand products and offer one of the largest organic ranges in the UK , with over 1600 organic products. Some stores also offer a selection of John Lewis-branded goods. A number of branches also offer a Quick Check service, which allows customers to scan their goods and pack them as they shop. Payment is then made in one go at the Quick Check till.
- Market town stores – The smaller market town stores focus on offering customers fresh produce and specialist foods. The first store opened in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, in May 2008 and was followed by outlets in Buckingham, Brackley (Northamptonshire) and two in London .
- Convenience stores – The retailer’s convenience store format was launched in December 2008 in Nottingham . The 5,800sq ft Trinity Square outlet (its smallest branch) focuses on specialist service counters and fresh produce. It also features a ‘Time of Day’ concept that allows customers to order breakfast, lunch or dinner to go. Three more convenience stores are due to open in spring 2009.
Online services
Shoppers can have their Waitrose groceries delivered direct to their home via Ocado, the online grocery retailer which is part-owned by the John Lewis group, or through the supermarket’s own delivery service called Waitrose Deliver.
Ocado was formed in January 2000 as principal supplier for the John Lewis Partnership, delivering branded and Waitrose own-label groceries. However, regular disagreements between Ocado and John Lewis in 2008 led to the latter transferring its 29% stake in the Ocado business into its pension fund. By doing so, it enabled the two businesses to compete head to head on deliveries, despite Ocado’s five-year contract to deliver Waitrose goods.
As a result, Waitrose has been able to expand its own delivery service, called Waitrose Deliver. The service offers home delivery of Waitrose groceries ordered online but is only available from certain stores, most of which are in London. However, Waitrose and Ocado agreed upon a new five-year deal at the start of February 2009 that will give Ocado exclusivity in London (within the M25) and allow Waitrose to launch its Deliver service in 125 of its supermarkets outside of the capital.
Other services
- Waitrose Entertaining – Waitrose Entertaining is the retailer’s food catering service for special occasions and events. Menu ideas include oven ready dishes, canapés, celebration cakes, and fruit baskets and can be ordered online via the Waitrose Deliver service.
- Home Delivery – At selected branches customers can pay a small fee (either £3 or £5 depending on the amount of goods) to have their shopping delivered to their doorstep. A Fast track service is also available to Waitrose or John Lewis account cardholders.
- Web access – Waitrose supplies dial-up and broadband (up to 8Mb) internet connections and donate all the profits from the service to charity.
- Waitrose Wine – Waitrose also run an online wine delivery service – Waitrosewine.com. The site features over 1200 wines, champagne, whisky and gifts.
- Branch extras – the company provides a glass and fish kettle loan service, free of charge.
Other services
- Waitrose Entertaining – Waitrose Entertaining is the retailer’s food catering service for special occasions and events. Menu ideas include oven ready dishes, canapés, celebration cakes, and fruit baskets and can be ordered online via the Waitrose Deliver service.
- Home Delivery – At selected branches customers can pay a small fee (either £3 or £5 depending on the amount of goods) to have their shopping delivered to their doorstep. A Fast track service is also available to Waitrose or John Lewis account cardholders.
- Web access – Waitrose supplies dial-up and broadband (up to 8Mb) internet connections and donate all the profits from the service to charity.
- Waitrose Wine – Waitrose also run an online wine delivery service – Waitrosewine.com. The site features over 1200 wines, champagne, whisky and gifts.
- Branch extras – the company provides a glass and fish kettle loan service, free of charge.
Overseas operation
In October 2008, Waitrose opened its first overseas store in Dubai (located in the Burj Dubai Mall), offering local residents a range of Waitrose branded goods along with locally-sourced products.
Two more stores in Dubai have opened since – one next to the Dubai Marina and one in a suburb of the city.
Under its licensing agreement with Spinneys, the company which runs 40 supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring Oman , a further 20 Spinneys stores will be converted into the Waitrose format by 2010. Spinneys has been selling Waitrose own-label products in the UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi , and Oman since 2004.
Royal Warrant
Waitrose holds a Royal Warrant to supply groceries, wine and spirits to The Queen and previously held a long-standing Warrant with Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. A Royal Warrant is a sign of recognition to individuals or companies who have regularly supplied goods or services for at least five years to certain members of the Royal Family and is regarded as a mark of excellence.
Overview of the Products Offered
At Waitrose, you can expect to find a wide range of high-quality products that cater to all your grocery needs. From fresh produce to pantry staples and everything in between, they have it all.
When it comes to fruits and vegetables, Waitrose prides itself on offering the finest selection. You'll find an array of vibrant, seasonal produce sourced from local farmers as well as exotic imports from around the world. Whether you're craving juicy strawberries or crisp lettuce, rest assured that Waitrose has got you covered.
In addition to their impressive selection of fresh produce, Waitrose also offers a variety of specialty foods and ingredients. If you have a penchant for international cuisine, you'll be delighted by their extensive range of spices, sauces, and condiments from different corners of the globe.
For those with dietary restrictions or following specific eating plans such as gluten-free or vegan diets, Waitrose provides a dedicated section filled with alternative options. They understand the importance of catering to various dietary needs and strive to offer inclusive choices for everyone.
But it's not just about groceries at Waitrose; they also have an excellent selection of household items and cleaning supplies. From laundry detergents to kitchen essentials like pots and pans, you can conveniently stock up on everything you need during your shopping trip.
Waitrose takes pride in its commitment to sustainability too! They prioritize environmentally friendly packaging options whenever possible and are constantly working towards reducing waste in their stores.
So whether you're looking for everyday essentials or searching for something special for dinner tonight, wait no further than your nearest Waitrose store! With their diverse product range and dedication to quality, finding what you need has never been easier
Branches and Locations of Waitrose Stores
Waitrose stores can be found in various locations across the United Kingdom, making it convenient for customers to access their wide range of products. Whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet town, chances are there's a Waitrose store near you.
With over 300 branches nationwide, Waitrose has established itself as one of the leading supermarket chains in the UK. From London to Edinburgh and everywhere in between, they have expanded their reach to cater to customers from all walks of life.
Each branch is carefully designed with customer convenience in mind. The spacious layout allows for easy navigation, ensuring that shoppers can find what they need quickly and efficiently. Not only are these stores well-stocked with high-quality groceries and household items, but they also boast friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always ready to assist you.
In addition to their regular supermarkets, Waitrose also operates smaller convenience stores known as "Little Waitrose." These compact-sized outlets offer a selection of everyday essentials along with some specialty products.
No matter where you are located within the UK, finding a Waitrose store near you is simple. You can use their online Store Locator tool on their website or download the Waitrose & Partners app on your smartphone for easy access on-the-go.
So whether you're looking for fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, or gourmet ingredients for your next culinary adventure, there's bound to be a conveniently located Waitrose store waiting for you.
Ways to Find a Store Near You
Looking for your nearest Waitrose store? Luckily, there are several convenient options available to help you locate one in no time. Whether you prefer the traditional method of asking someone or utilizing modern technology, finding a Waitrose store near you has never been easier.
One way to find a store is by simply asking around. Talk to friends, family members, or colleagues who may have knowledge of a nearby Waitrose location. They might be able to provide helpful directions or tips on how to get there.
Another option is to use an online search engine such as Google Maps. Simply type in "Waitrose near me" and voila! A list of stores will appear along with their addresses and even reviews from other customers. This can be especially useful if you're new to an area or traveling somewhere unfamiliar.
If you prefer using mobile apps, consider downloading the official Waitrose & Partners app. It not only allows you to easily find your nearest store but also provides information on current offers, recipes, and even lets you create shopping lists.
For those who enjoy browsing websites rather than downloading apps, the Waitrose website itself offers a handy store locator feature. Just enter your postcode or city name and it will display all nearby stores along with additional details like opening hours and facilities available.
Don't forget about good old-fashioned paper maps! Visit the customer service desk at any Waitrose store and ask for a physical map that shows all locations within your desired radius. This can come in handy when planning road trips or exploring different areas without internet access.
Finding a Waitrose store near you is now more accessible than ever before thanks to various methods available - from word-of-mouth recommendations and online search engines like Google Maps, to dedicated mobile apps provided by Waitrose themselves - each designed with convenience in mind so that customers can easily locate their nearest branch whenever they need to.
Opening Times and Services Available
Waitrose is known for its excellent customer service, and this extends to the services they offer. From home delivery to a click and collect service, Waitrose tries to make shopping as easy as possible for its customers.
Home delivery is available across the country, and they also offer same-day delivery in some areas if you order before 1 pm. If you don't want to pay for home delivery, you can use their free click and collect service. When placing your order online, you can choose from over 300 stores nationwide to collect from at a time that suits you.
Stores are open seven days a week, so no matter what day of the week it is, you can pop in whenever it's convenient.
Services like wine tasting and cooking demonstrations are also available at select stores throughout the year. These events give customers the opportunity to discover new products or learn how to prepare delicious meals.
When it comes to convenience and excellent customer service, Waitrose stores have got you covered. With a wide range of opening times and an array of services available, they make shopping a breeze.
Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, Waitrose has flexible opening hours to suit everyone's schedule. Many stores open as early as 7 am and stay open until late in the evening, ensuring that you can pop in at your convenience. Some larger branches even offer extended hours on certain days, perfect for those last-minute grocery runs.
Aside from their convenient opening times, Waitrose also offers a variety of services to enhance your shopping experience. Need assistance with finding products? Their friendly staff are always ready to help. Looking for recipe inspiration? Check out their cooking demonstrations and tasting events happening regularly in-store.
For added convenience, many Waitrose stores provide online ordering with home delivery or click-and-collect options. This means you can shop from the comfort of your own home and have groceries delivered right to your doorstep or pick them up at a time that suits you best.
Moreover, if you're short on time but still need essentials like bread or milk, some Waitrose stores offer self-checkout lanes for quick and easy transactions.
With such convenient opening times and a range of helpful services available, it's no wonder that customers keep coming back to Waitrose for all their shopping needs.
Special Facilities at Waitrose Stores
Waitrose stores are not just your typical supermarkets. They go above and beyond to ensure that their customers have an exceptional shopping experience. One of the ways they achieve this is by offering special facilities that cater to various needs.
For parents with young children, Waitrose stores provide baby changing facilities to make shopping with little ones more convenient. These clean and well-equipped areas offer a comfortable space for diaper changes and feeding.
Customers who require assistance can take advantage of the dedicated customer service desks available in most Waitrose stores. Friendly staff members are always ready to help with any inquiries or concerns you may have, ensuring that your visit is stress-free.
If you're looking for a quick bite or a refreshing beverage during your shopping trip, many Waitrose stores feature cafes where you can relax and recharge. Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or grab a tasty snack while taking a break from browsing the aisles.
In addition, some larger Waitrose branches even include pharmacies within their premises. This means that customers can conveniently pick up prescriptions or seek advice on over-the-counter medications without having to make an extra trip elsewhere.
These special facilities provided by Waitrose demonstrate their commitment to delivering excellent customer service and making every visit enjoyable for shoppers of all ages and needs.
Final Thoughts on Waitrose
Finding a Waitrose store near you is easier than ever, thanks to their wide network of branches and helpful online tools. Whether you're looking for high-quality groceries, specialty products, or excellent customer service, Waitrose has it all.
With a diverse range of products on offer, including fresh produce, deli items, baked goods, and household essentials, Waitrose ensures that there is something for everyone. Their commitment to quality means that customers can trust the freshness and taste of every item they purchase.
Waitrose stores are conveniently located across the country in various cities and towns. From London to Edinburgh and everywhere in between, finding a Waitrose store near you is just a few clicks away. Their website's store locator feature enables users to quickly search for nearby branches based on their current location or postcode.
In addition to providing exceptional products and convenient locations, Waitrose also offers flexible opening times to cater to different schedules. Whether you need an early morning grocery run or prefer shopping late at night after work, many Waitrose stores have extended hours that suit your needs.
What sets Waitrose apart from other supermarkets is their commitment to customer satisfaction. With friendly staff members ready to assist with any queries or requirements you may have during your visit, shopping at Waitrose becomes an enjoyable experience every time.
Waitrose stores also provide several additional services such as home delivery options so that you can have your groceries conveniently delivered right to your doorstep. They even offer personalized shopping assistance through their "Quick Check" service where customers can scan items as they shop using their smartphone app.
Moreover; each branch provides special facilities like parking spaces designated specifically for disabled individuals along with wheelchair-friendly entrances ensuring accessibility for all shoppers!
So, when it comes to finding a top-notch supermarket near you with high-quality products on offer - look no further than Waitrose! With their extensive branch network spread across the country, helpful online tools for store location, flexible opening times, excellent customer service,