Waitrose has opened its first new full-line supermarket in eight years in Cricklewood, north-west London, as it accelerates investment in stores and grocery distribution.

The 18,000 sq ft shop opened on 22 October 2026 and forms part of the grocer’s £1 billion multi-year investment programme. Another new supermarket in Hale Barns, Greater Manchester, is expected to open in November.

Waitrose also confirmed four additional sites: a neighbourhood store in Oakham, Rutland, and convenience outlets in Bedminster, Bristol, Chalk Farm in London and Springstead Village near Cambridge. These locations are expected to open from 2027.

The expansion covers several shopping missions. Convenience stores focus on fresh top-up purchases, neighbourhood shops carry more than 6,500 products, and larger supermarkets offer wider food ranges and specialist counters.

Cricklewood includes meat, fish and sushi counters, a dry-aged beef cabinet, speciality cheeses, an on-site bakery and a fresh produce area promoting organic, Fairtrade and regeneratively farmed products.

For suppliers, the opening matters because new supermarket floor space can create demand for fresh meat, seafood, bakery, chilled products and private-label ranges. However, Waitrose has not announced specific new supplier contracts linked to the Cricklewood launch.

The store has recruited 69 new employees alongside 53 existing partners, according to the retailer. The group also plans 29 store refurbishments during 2026.

Expansion will require supporting logistics investment. Waitrose plans to open its first South West distribution centre at Avonmouth early in 2027, intended to support its existing stores and future growth.

The new shop follows a period in which UK supermarket chains have concentrated heavily on refits, pricing and smaller store formats. The move increases competition for premium food shoppers, particularly where Waitrose faces Marks & Spencer, Tesco and independent food specialists.

GTN’s guide to European grocery buying alliances explains the wider sourcing landscape, while its Waitrose own-brand range coverage tracks the retailer’s recent efforts to attract more grocery shoppers.

The next milestone is the Hale Barns opening in November, followed by the new stores and distribution investment planned for 2027.