Branch closures announced

Waitrose has announced plans to sell five small shops to two competitors.

The Co-op has made offers for little Waitrose convenience shops in Manchester Piccadilly, Spinningfields, Colmore Row in Birmingham and Portman Square, London. Aldi has made an offer to buy Waitrose Camden. The sales are expected to complete in the autumn.

WR Managing Director Rob Collins says: ‘We have spoken to the Partners in these shops and explained that our aim is to avoid redundancies. The 119 Partners in the shops being sold to the Co-op will transfer to them under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings, Protection of Employment) regulations.’

Aldi has informed Waitrose that it will not open the Camden store for six months so it can undertake refurbishment – ‘which regrettably means the shop will close for that period,’ says Rob. ‘We will explore opportunities within the Partnership for the 68 Partners in our Camden shop (and any Partners from the shops being sold to the Co-op) who wish to remain within our business.

‘We have emphasised to all Partners affected by this move that our decision to sell is in no way a negative reflection on them – we’re extremely grateful for their hard work and contribution to Waitrose and the Partnership.’