Supermarket chain Waitrose has revealed details of a major expansion scheme which will see the retailer open 20 new convenience shops in 2012.
In a bid to take on rival retailers such as Tesco and Spar on the high street, Waitrose has said it will open 20 of its 'Little Waitrose' stores in and around London. The aim is to make a clear distinction between its large supermarkets and smaller branches.
A statement released by the company over the weekend said its 2012 expansion plan would create an additional 100,000sq ft of selling space. The sites will also provide a platform for the company to advertise its brand on the capital's high streets.
The move is expected to create 1,000 new jobs and will represent a record number of new store openings for Waitrose. So far in 2011 the company has already opened one full-size supermarket and five convenience shops, and it plans to open another two supermarkets and five convenience stores.
Waitrose managing director, Mark Price, said: "London is an important part of our heritage so this is another exciting milestone for our business. It demonstrates our ambition to continue increasing our presence and improving our accessibility to those who wish to shop with us."
