Waitrose Ealing - closed branch

Waitrose Ealing window display 1964
John Lewis Partnership archive collection
Epsom flyer 1964
John Lewis Partnership archive collection
Ealing interior c1930s - chairs for Madam
John Lewis Partnership archive collection

Waitrose Ealing at 3 The Parade, Haven Green opened in 1923, eclipsing their record opening day trade, according to the Middlesex County Times of 28 July 1923. Waitrose were proud to report this .. ‘because such a phenomenal increase in patronage tells a distinct story – the public is pleased with Waitrose. They like the goods – they like the attention, and they know the Waitrose guarantee safeguards their pockets.’

‘Don’t wait – but go to Waitrose.’

An interior photograph of the store, is set with chairs for Madam to give her order in comfort, although it would seem that the customer didn’t need to go near the shop at all. The notice on the right-hand counter, headed “The Waitrose Service” reads: “The Waitrose Service is such that you may order goods over the counter, through our Representative who will be glad to wait upon you daily at your Residence or over the phone. All orders have immediate attention and prompt delivery is guaranteed.”

The other notice on the centre counter reads: “The Waitrose policy is to put the customers’ interest first. Consequently (a) we are prepared to refund cash for returned Goods (b) we welcome written grumbles, criticisms and suggestions. We enjoy selling grocery and believe we can make it a pleasure for you to buy it. Your goodwill is worth a lot to us. Hence our efforts to serve you a little better than seems necessary.” (It is nice to see that we still aim to maintain this level of service).

A photograph of a window display at Ealing, dated 1964, displays Financial Times ‘Best Value’ posters, seen more clearly from a similar advertisement at Epsom.

Waitrose Ealing closed in 1966, when it was sold to Budgens. Do any retired Partners remember the old store?

Waitrose returned to Ealing in October 1987, less than a mile away, at West Ealing. Features included specialised service counters and a new streamlined computerised ordering system for fruit and vegetables, with a customer car park for 162 cars. Branch Manager was Mr Parkin, who described the return as: “a Waitrose that has come of age”.

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