Croydon: Opening

Waitrose Croydon 477 opened on 28th May 2009.

Waitrose Croydon, opened on Thursday 28th May 2009 when the new 10,000 sq ft store in George Street Croydon became our 17th branch in Surrey. One of the recently acquired former Somerfield shops, it is central to a modern transport hub that includes a nearby mainline station dealing with 22 million passengers a year, as well as the town’s modern tram system, that runs past the door of our branch.
Waitrose recruited 105 new Partners, including many who have joined us from Somerfield. The multi-million pound makeover at the store meant replacing, ‘everything but the floor tiles, ‘ said Branch Manager Andy.
‘It’s fantastic that we have been able to provide jobs for former Somerfield staff and create a number of new positions as well,’ he said. ‘We are all looking forward to extending the Waitrose offer to new customers as well as becoming an active member of the community.’
‘Croydon is the perfect place for us to open a new store as there is a strong demand for quality food here. We are delighted to be coming here at such an exciting time for the town and our investment really shows our commitment to the area.’
His words about the demand certainly proved to be true on opening day, when at times there were queues up to 80 strong at the checkouts. ‘It’s been incredibly busy – at times it went absolutely crazy,’ adds Andy. ‘But we have had a real sense from the customers of aspiration and inspiration.’

Chronicle 06.06.09
Vol 69 No 23

Waitrose Croydon closed in November 2022.