York (311): Opening

Waitrose York became the first branch to be opened by an Archbishop! Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, cut the ribbon to the brand new 22,000 sq ft store on October 28th 2010.

Caroline Holroyd, Department Manager Retail, counted 200 customers waiting to come in by 10am on its first Sunday, while Branch Manager Stacey Stump confirmed that early reaction was ‘phenomenal’.

Prior to Waitrose opening, this store was once an MFI.

Some 1,300 applicants applied for the 180 positions!

As reported in The Partnership’s in-house magazine, The Gazette, Dr John Sentamu praised the Partnership’s supplier relationships, saying: “It is good to have businesses that believe in ethical trading and corporate social responsibility.” He added that ‘mutuals and Partnerships like Waitrose’ had been at the heart of the Fairtrade movement.

Facilities and services currently available at Waitrose York include: click and collect, dry cleaning and flower wrapping. There are also a number of fresh food counters such as: fish, cheese, delicatessen, patisserie, meat and bakery. Recycling flexible plastic is also available for customers.

Address: Foss Islands Road, York YO31 7UL