Waitrose plans to acquire five shops in the Channel Islands

Wednesday 23 June 2010

Waitrose today announces its intention to expand into the Channel Islands with the acquisition of five supermarkets – three in Jersey and two in Guernsey - from Sandpiper CI. This move, which is subject to agreement from the regulatory authorities, should benefit shoppers by increasing both competition and choice.

The shops, which will provide over 130,000 sq ft of selling space, will open as Waitrose in a phased programme in early 2011.

Waitrose has already built a strong following in the Channel Islands over the last two years through an agreement to supply Sandpiper shops with over 3,000 high quality, Waitrose own label products.

The shops will be operated by Sandpiper under licence following completion (expected in October) and until the stores are handed over to Waitrose - anticipated to be in early 2011. At this point the existing 480 employees in all five supermarkets will be offered roles within Waitrose and will have the opportunity to become Partners within the John Lewis Partnership.

Waitrose also plans to create over a hundred additional jobs in each island and will invest significantly in training and development for all employees.

Mark Price, Waitrose Managing Director, said: “People in the Channel Islands have been telling us for years that they want a Waitrose. Our supply relationship with Sandpiper CI shows there’s strong demand for Waitrose quality food and I’m delighted that we will now be able to bring the full Waitrose offer to the Channel Islands.

“The move is part of our strategy to make the Waitrose brand accessible to more people in more places and builds on our recent acquisitions from the Co-op and Woolworths, as well as our strategic partnerships with Welcome Break and Boots.”

Waitrose has a successful track record of converting shops acquired from other retailers, with previous acquisitions having been warmly received by shoppers and meeting projected sales targets.

Customers at the new food shops can expect an unparalleled range of foods from the everyday to gourmet, including the everyday Essential Waitrose range of 1,400 shopping basket staples.

There will also be a range of fresh produce including dedicated service counters for meat, fish, delicatessen, patisserie and cheese, together with the supermarket’s award-winning wine collection.

In line with its commitment to local sourcing, Waitrose is planning to sell a wide range of food produced within the Channel Islands and will be working closely with local suppliers.

In addition the two shops at Admiral Park in Guernsey and Red Houses on Jersey will have a selection of John Lewis Homewares.