Waitrose signs franchise deal with Welcome Break
Published:06-April-2009
By Datamonitor staff writer
Two stores to offer over 850 product lines
Waitrose, an upmarket grocery arm of British retailer John Lewis Partnership, has signed its first ever franchise deal with motorway services operator, Welcome Break.
Waitrose will open two 2,500sqft food shops at Welcome Break motorway service areas. The first shop will open on May 1, 2009, at Oxford Services with the second opening at South Mimms on May 15, 2009. The two stores will offer over 850 product lines.
Mark Price, managing director of Waitrose, said: "This move into franchising and motorway service areas builds on our recent ventures into other new formats such as market town and convenience - all designed to provide flexibility around our growth ambitions and increase awareness of our brand."
Rod McKie, chief executive of Welcome Break, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for the company to partner with a quality food retailer. We are delighted that Waitrose has chosen Welcome Break for its franchise operation in the UK and are looking forward to opening the two stores in May."
Richard Hodgson, commercial director of Waitrose, said: "We plan to deliver a new dimension in motorway hospitality - the same quality experience people expect from Waitrose with excellent customer service."
