Edenbridge: Opening

Waitrose Edenbridge 556 opened on 13th March 2014.
The following article appeared in the Partnership in-house magazine at the time.
After a three-week closure, a new Waitrose opened in Edenbridge last week [2014]. The store was a Co-op acquisition and 70 Partners transferred across alongside 50 new Partners.
The 14 000sq ft branch packs in more than 13 000 products and two new concepts: a wine tasting area and a new self-select patisserie next to a café at the entrance.
With around 50 customers waiting outside at 7.30am on the cold, foggy opening morning, local MP Sir John Stanley made a quick speech, welcoming Waitrose to the area.
After the ribbon was cut, customers came flocking in. ‘It’s been such a professional transition from Co-op to Waitrose and has been really exciting for the local area,’ said Customer Service Partner Deborah, who transferred from the Co-op.
In what has been a fairly soft launch (because Edenbridge is surrounded by several towns that already have a Waitrose), the Marketing Team from Head Office has been working hard to make sure customers are aware of its opening.
Assistant Local Marketing Manager, Alan explained how they had been trying to target new customers. ‘We’ve been sending text messages and emailing customers various vouchers and sending out a temporary myWaitrose card to local customers.
‘We’ve also got a scarecrow on the road coming into Edenbridge to attract attention!’
Branch Manager Rupert was just delighted with the phenomenal effort made by everyone, including local branches. ‘My highlight this week has been the reaction of the Partners who have transferred from the Co-op to seeing the shop transformed.’

Chronicle 21.03.14.
Vol 74 No 08