Waitrose & Partners is expanding its UK bricks-and-mortar estate through new shops, more franchise sites and a refurbishment drive under a multi-year £1bn ($1.35bn) investment plan.
The supermarket chain said it will open a 3,000ft² Little Waitrose convenience store on Ascot High Street in late 2026, creating 20 jobs.
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The store will occupy a former bank unit and will offer on-site parking, targeting both residents and visitors to the area.
Waitrose is also broadening its tie-up with motorway service station operator Welcome Break through four more franchise outlets.
Two of those sites are already trading at Kate’s Cabin near Peterborough and at Cornwall Services near Bodmin.
The opening of these stores raises the number of Waitrose stores operating at Welcome Break locations to 33.
Additional franchise openings are planned at the Spalding service area, Barrier Bank and Whitely, Warrington Crossroads.
Alongside the expansion, the retailer is continuing work on its existing estate.
Over the past month, seven branches have been refurbished, covering supermarkets in Barnet, Chiswick, Haslemere, Ruislip and Menai Bridge, as well as convenience stores in Knutsford and Muswell Hill.
The refurbishments have included updated meat and fish counters, along with reworked bakery areas.
Waitrose said 30 stores are due to be refurbished during the year.
The business has also agreed a 7,000ft² location at Chelmer Village Retail Park in Chelmsford, which is scheduled to open later this year.
Further ahead, it is planning a 30,000ft² full-range supermarket at Brabazon in Bristol, expected to open in 2028 and generate 150 jobs.
Separately, a 360,000ft² distribution hub at Mountpark’s Bristol 360 development is due to begin operating next year.
The facility is intended to supply around 50 existing stores and has room to support additional growth.
Waitrose regional manager Krys Jantzen said: “Securing a presence on Ascot High Street is a significant move in our convenience shop strategy. This location puts Waitrose right at the heart of a thriving community, with the branch designed to be a destination for local shoppers and a frontrunner in quality and service.”
