Waitrose to open first store in Knutsford

Waitrose, the food stores of the John Lewis Partnership, has today announced plans for its first store in Knutsford, Cheshire.

The retailer has reached an agreement to convert the Blockbusters and Travelbag retail units in Princess Street in October. It will then commence a multi-million pound refurbishment of the 6,500sq ft premises and is expected to open by Spring 2011.

Blockbusters will continue trading until the end of September, while Travelbag has already relocated its business in the town centre.

The new store will create up to 65 jobs for the local area with all employees becoming Partners in the John Lewis Partnership. Recruitment will begin in late November and

Waitrose will also launch its Community Matters Initiative in Knutsford as soon as it opens, which will ensure £500 is donated each month to local charities and projects.

Jon Arnold, Head of Convenience Stores at Waitrose, says:

“We have been really keen to move into Knutsford for a long time, so it is fantastic that we can now progress those plans and ensure the store has the best platform to provide the high-levels of service and produce we are known for.

“The new store will play an important anchoring role in the local area, ensuring Princess Street attracts new shoppers and continues to be a vibrant retail shopping destination.”

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