Waitrose has opened its first new supermarket in eight years in Cricklewood, north London, as part of its current £1bn investment programme.

The 18,000 sq ft store, which opens today, marks a significant milestone in Waitrose’s plans to expand its physical estate, with a second supermarket set to open in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester, next month.

Both sites were previously leased by Asda, with the Hale Barns branch undergoing a full refit before reopening as a 15,000 sq ft Waitrose supermarket.

It is also planning four further openings in 2027, including a supermarket in Oakham, Rutland, and three convenience stores in Bedminster, Bristol; Chalk Farm, London; and Springstead Village, Cambridge.

The expansion is part of Waitrose’s £1bn multi-year investment strategy, which includes plans to open up to four large supermarkets and 100 convenience stores over five years.

Alongside the new openings, it is investing in its existing estate, with 29 store refurbishments planned this year.

The upgrades will focus on improving the shopping experience through features such as fresh meat and fish counters, sushi stations, in-store bakeries and expanded fine wine offerings.

Waitrose retail director Tina Mitchell said: “Our supermarkets provide the ultimate showcase for everything that sets Waitrose apart – from our unmatched quality and industry-leading welfare standards to the expert service of our partners.”

Waitrose sales rose four per cent in the six months to 1 August, although underlying operating profit fell £7m to £103m as the grocer invested in lowering prices and improving its loyalty scheme, while also facing higher energy costs.

Yet parent company John Lewis Partnership reported a £98m pre-tax loss for the period, as weaker department store sales weighed on its performance.

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