UK grocery retailer Waitrose is to open 39 stores this year with the creation of around 3,000 jobs.

The outlets, Waitrose said today (5 January), will include 12 full-sized supermarkets, including five branches in the Channel Islands to open between February and April and stores in Stratford, Raynes Park, Wimbledon, Exeter, Marlow and Newton Mearns in Glasgow.

The remainder will be convenience shops in locations including Old Brompton and Palmers Green. These are scheduled to open this month.

Jobs created from the new stores will include management and non-management roles, as well as food specialists in meat, cheese, fish and wines.

The announcement comes on the back of a “successful” Christmas for the retailer, which saw sales grow by 8.9% and 5.4% on a like-for-like basis for the 23-day period to 23 December.

Beyond Christmas, total sales were up by 9.7% and 5.9% on a like-for-like basis for the five days from 27 to 31 December. Sales were driven by a “particularly strong” New Year’s Eve with Champagne and party food top of customers’ lists.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Waitrose managing director Mark Price said: “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.”

He added: “In the current climate we’re very pleased to be employing 3,000 new partners within our business.”