Sudbury (658): Opening

Despite the severe flash floods of the end of May 2000, Sudbury Waitrose managed to open on 24th May 2000, as planned. It was the first of the eleven Somerfield conversions, taking only six and a half weeks to open.

The damaged caused by the flooding could have easily derailed the opening, as part of the ceiling collapsed, however, it was quickly repaired successfully with everyone “mucking in” to help.

Many of the original Somerfield staff chose to stay at the store and it was reported in The Partnership’s in-house magazine, The Gazette, at the time, that they were happy to see so many familiar faces of customers returning to the newly converted Waitrose.

The new branch, at the time, offered all the traditional Waitrose amenities, as well as a cash point machine, the National Lottery and a home delivery service.

In total 130 experienced Partners had been taken out of the branches to help with the Somerfield project.

Facilities currently available at Sudbury Waitrose include fresh fish, cheese, rotisserie, delicatessen, patisserie, meat and bakery counters. There is also flower wrapping and dry cleaning available.

Address: Station Road, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2SS