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Waitrose has announced plans to undergo some 30 store refurbishments throughout 2026 as part of a £1bn, multi-year investment programme to upgrade its physical estate.
Supermarkets in Haslemere, Barnet, Chiswick, Ruislip, and Menai Bridge have already received multimillion-pound upgrades in March, with convenience stores in Knutsford and Muswell Hill also included in the programme. The refurbishments include modernised meat and fish counters and redesigned bakeries.
Waitrose also announced a new 3,000 sq ft convenience shop on Ascot High Street. Scheduled to open in autumn 2026, the branch will create 20 jobs.
In addition, the retailer revealed it is expanding its partnership with Welcome Break by opening four new sites, bringing the total number of Waitrose shops at motorway service areas to 33.
Two Welcome Break sites have opened at Kate’s Cabin on the A1 and Cornwall Services on the A30, with further openings planned for Spalding and Warrington.
In Chelmsford, the company has exchanged on a 7,000 sq ft site at Chelmer Village Retail Park. A 30,000 sq ft supermarket is also planned for Bristol in 2028.
To support the expansion, a 360,000 sq ft distribution centre will open in Bristol next year. The site will serve approximately 50 existing shops in the region.
Alun Jones, head of Waitrose physical estate at John Lewis Partnership, said: “Our new Ascot store and expanded partnership with Welcome Break strengthens our physical retail presence alongside the acceleration of our store refurbishment programme.
“Whether it’s a restaurant-quality dinner for two, a picnic at the races or a top up shop, we’re investing to make it even easier for food lovers to discover the best quality products and experience our renowned customer service.”
Krys Jantzen, regional manager of Waitrose, added: “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.”
