Waitrose to open 14 stores and create 2,000 jobs

Supermarket chain Waitrose has confirmed plans to open an additional 14 stores in the UK, which would create 2,000 jobs.

The group, which is owned by John Lewis, said the first of the new stores will open in the spring and that the new facilities included seven large supermarkets, while the remaining seven will be Little Waitrose shops.

“Our expansion story continues as we take the brand to more customers,” said Nigel Keen, the group’s director of development.

“Last year many of our new branches received more than 10 applications for every vacancy - so we’re delighted to be able to create an additional 2,000 roles in 2015.”

Waitrose’s announcement goes against the market trend, which has recently seen Tesco close 43 supermarkets and cancelling plans for another 49.

Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s has put its expansion plans on hold and is understood to be intent to reduce the amount of money spent on new space over the next three years.

Alongside Lidl and Aldi, however, Waitrose has been one of the winners of the current price wars between rival supermarkets, which has seen the big four bearing the brunt of challenging market conditions and declining food prices.

Waitrose, which according to Kantar has a 5.1% market share, has reported a 6.6% increase in sales in the three months to the start of January.