Waitrose is proposing to close its Enfield delivery warehouse this summer, in a move that will save the grocer over £8m but see 545 jobs axed.
A letter to warehouse staff, online director Laura Burbedge explained the lease on the 110,000 sq ft north London site is due to come to an end in 2025, reported Retail Week.
It stated: “While exploring contract negotiations with the landlord is possible… we know our rent costs at Enfield will increase”.
“With this in mind, regrettably we’re proposing to close the Waitrose Enfield customer fulfilment centre (CFC) on July 20 and move order volume into Waitrose Coulsdon and Greenford CFCs.
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“This would support the Partnership Plan and save us £8.7m of operating costs, making the overall Waitrose online operations more profitable.”
Waitrose opened the Enfield facility in 2020 as it ramped up its online grocery business in response to its then split with online retailer Ocado.
A Waitrose spokesperson said: “With rental costs at Enfield due to increase and capacity elsewhere in our network, we are considering the closure of the site.
“While not an option we’re exploring lightly, the proposal would maintain our high levels of customer service for Waitrose.com and support future growth. It’s in no way a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our team. No decision will be made until we have fully consulted with all partners at our Enfield site who are being supported throughout the process.”
Earlier this month the supermarket’s owner John Lewis Partnership revealed it was back to profit, however, it warned that jobs cuts were on the horizon as it looked to gain efficiencies across the business.
1 Comment. Leave new
My other half works as delivery partner at this site. He and other staff including managers were only informed of this early closure this morning 21/03/2024, in a meeting which they were sent an invite to Tuesday 19/03/2024 evening.
It is sad that such an reputable company failed their staff who they claim are partners by breaking the news to them in such a disgusting way.
Where is the humility? Staff had prior knowledge of the lease expiring in 2025 and that the site would possibly move.
However, staff had the understanding that their jobs were safe as they would be dispatched to other branches to fulfil their roles.
Waitrose leaders must do better! I understand it must have not been an easy decision.
However, the people who are affected most are the people who they claim we’re “partners”. These partners have families who depend on them. This move is unconscionable especially in the current economic climate.
Why aren’t “partners” being seconded to other branches within the JW partnership? Drivers for example are often asked to go help other stores with their deliveries. Act like this is something that often happens when other stores with the group needs help!