Willerby (697): Opening

Waitrose Willerby opened on 21/10/2004

The opening of Willerby on Thursday 21st October 2004 brought to an end an intensive programme of works of gutting and refurbishing 19 Morrisons/Safeway stores to the Waitrose brand. The speed of the conversions made retail history – all 19 were converted within a fortnight. The Managing Director of Waitrose at the time, Steve Esom, said “No one has achieved such an intensive store conversion programme as well as open three new branches and extend four in such a short period of time. It puts it into perspective when you consider that our competitors take six weeks to convert a store.”

The Branch Manager, Steve Jackson, stated “The conversion has been executed with slick professionalism and the teamwork between everyone involved has been a pleasure to watch. It is an honour to have been part of it.” He continued “As new Partners, we’ve always been made to feel welcome and included in decision-making. The shop floor looks fantastic; watching the faces of my Partners light up as they first walked in has been a pleasure.”

The Willerby store is situated on the B1231 into Hull city centre and opened with service counters, a coffee shop, and an extended non-food range of babyware, toys and electrical goods. The store also featured an assortment of organic produce which, according to Steve Jackson, was a big point of difference to the local competition. He stated “I hadn’t realised so many people have been eagerly awaiting Waitrose’s opening. One customer told me that she was so relieved Waitrose had finally opened on her doorstep because up until now she has been making a monthly 120-mile round trip to her nearest Waitrose in Newark!”

Source: The Gazette, 30 October 2004

Address:
Beverley Road
Willerby
E Riding Yorkshire
HU10 6EB