Swindon (504): Opening

Taking just three months to build, Waitrose Swindon opened its doors on April 10th 2014. Showcasing five of Waitrose’s new concepts, the Swindon branch offers culinary delights served on deli platters and a wine-tasting area, as well as the division’s first juice bar.

Located alongside the Wilts & Berks canal, Swindon’s cafe also has (at the time of opening) outdoor seating with the shop stocking local goods including beers from Swindon’s family brewery Arkell’s.

The team of 233 Partners welcomed hundreds of customers over the shop’s first few days, says Ian Smith, Branch Manager, as reported in The Partnership’s in-house magazine, The Gazette.

A few weeks later, Managing Director Mark Price and members of his team hosted a major media and analyst event on May 2nd. Thirty influential opinion formers were invited to a presentation and tour, allowing the business to showcase its transition from a traditional supermarket to the ‘modern Waitrose’.

Sitting at 29,000 sq ft, Swindon was the first to bring all of the division’s latest strategic thinking together under one roof. It offers five hospitality concepts and the latest integrated online and technology developments.

Facilities currently available at Swindon include fresh fish, cheese, delicatessen, patisserie, meat and bakery counters, as well as a wine bar and juice bar.

Address: Mill Lane, Wichelstowe, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 7BX