Saffron Walden (135): Opening

Waitrose Saffron Walden opened on 5th November 1985.

 

 

The first customer through the tills was served by Carolyn Brennan, who still works here today [Oct 2012].

Another partner from day one who is still working here today is Malcolm Domb, who is currently the Branch Manager [Oct 2012].

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  • 135 must have had the most dramatic Branch opening day ever! After two weeks of preparing the store opening day November the 5th arrived with a real bang!! I was having an early morning coffee at 4am with the BM Ron Jackson when ‘Bang’ the lights went out signalling a massive power cut, all power lost to the store. Eventually the problem was traced to the main power supply into the Branch which had been fitted with an insufficient fuse to cope, the electricity board were summoned to resolve the problem. However by 8.30am still no power and with freezers covered with cardboard and fridge blinds down high level discussions were held amongst the directors who used to visit on opening day as to whether the Branch would open at 9am the advertised time! Unbelievably at 8.58am the power was restored, the doors opened at 9am by the Managing Director and the large crowd that was queuing up down the slope flooded in. 135 went on to have fantastic first weeks trade taking £148,000 smashing the £100,000 budget. Almost immediately more Partners were recruited. As current Partners will know power cuts are not uncommon some 27 years later!

    By Malcolm Domb (15/10/2012)
  • The 135 Management team met at the Crown House hotel in Great Chesterford for a two day pre-opening meeting. Back row from left to right: Keith Brighton, Alan Hodgetts, Bob Crane, Oscan Edwardson, Dave Harris, Jeremy Langley, Jez Whinnet. Front Row: Tracy Podmore, Malcolm Domb, Ron Jackson, Richard Walton, Rachel Hobbs, Claire Murgatroyd

    By Malcolm Domb (15/10/2012)

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