East Cowes: Opening

Waitrose East Cowes 313 opened on 4th November 2010.
The following article appeared in the Partnership in-house magazine at the time.

The new 18 000 sq ft branch created 150 new jobs in the area. Located adjacent to the East Cowes ferry terminal, it is perfectly placed to catch customers as they arrive from the mainland. ‘The branch design and build quality is excellent, it fits into the surrounding area and its location is ideal,’ said Richard. As well as supporting three local suppliers on the island, the branch is also supporting new local school Queensgate Foundation Primary and has provided them with branded book bags. Pupils were invited to cut the ribbon with Richard and open the branch to the public.
East Cowes Mayor Peter Lloyd said, ‘The branch is brilliant. I have wanted Waitrose here right from the start. I see it as a catalyst to bring development and regeneration to East Cowes. I want to congratulate the team on their opening and wish them every success in the future.’
The team were selected from 900 applicants and have been trained at local branches across the Solent. Many Partners have been attracted to the project from the mainland. Fresh Produce Section Manager Keith has just moved his family to the island and transferred from Ruislip. He enthused,’ I have always loved the island – I have three young children and I think it is a fantastic place to live. I have worked for London branches for 20 years and this opportunity was too good to miss; it is a fantastic store.’
Ambient Section Manager James has moved his family from Scotland, having transferred from Comely Bank in Edinburgh.’ I have now opened the most northern branch and currently the most southern,’ said James. ‘I have been coming to the Isle of Wight for holidays since I was a child and I really can’t wait to bring my own son up here. The branch is incredible, the fixtures, units and décor are fantastic.’
Although the peaceful Isle of Wight lifestyle has tempted those from the mainland, many of the Partners working in the branch are local people who were born on the island. Department Manager Dan has returned to his home area to work at the new branch. ‘My family and many friends still live here, and this was an exciting and special project that I wanted to be involved with. There is a real buzz in the community, not just in East Cowes but all over the island,’ he said.

Locals have welcomed the business to the island and excitement was noticeable. The Garlic Farm is one of three local suppliers being supported by Waitrose. General Manager Tom Honeyman–Brown attended the stakeholder event the night before opening. He said, ‘It is the one big retailer that wouldn’t damage our local reputation. Waitrose have the same principles and offer customers everything we do, it’s a good match.’

The Waitrose Management Board also joined Partners to share the excitement of opening day. As it is the first off-shore Branch, the Board showed great interest in the reaction of the locals and meeting the new team. Retail Director Tony Solomons said, ‘Waitrose East Cowes looked in great shape on opening day, a credit to everyone involved in its development. It is the greenest store we have constructed to date; in a few months’ time it will no longer be reliant on the grid for energy and will be self-sufficient due to a leading edge approach to energy provision – the first store in the UK of this kind.’

Chronicle 13.11.10.
Vol 70 No 45