Waitrose confirms Spinningfields store

Waitrose, the food shops of the John Lewis Partnership, has confirmed it will open its first store in central Manchester this November.

As reported by Confidential in July, the retailer will open a new 3,000sq ft convenience store in Manchester House on Bridge Street. Recruitment for the 40 new jobs it will create will begin immediately with all positions being advertised online at www.jlpjobs.com.

Waitrose has also confirmed it will be opening a new convenience store in Knutsford, after agreeing a deal for the Blockbusters and Travelbag retail units in Princess Street. Blockbusters will continue trading until the end of September while Travelbag has already relocated.

Work will begin on converting the two units into a 6,500 sq ft store in October, which will open by Spring 2011. The 65 new jobs it will generate are expected to be advertised from late November.

All 105 new employees at the two stores will become partners in the John Lewis Partnership, which entitles them to leisure and shopping discounts as well as a share in profits through its bonus scheme. Staff received a 15 per cent bonus against their annual salary in March.

Waitrose will also launch its Community Matters initiative in the Spinningfields and Knutsford stores, which will see £500 a month donated to local charities and projects in both areas.

Jon Arnold, head of Waitrose Convenience Stores, said: “The Spinningfields development is an exciting venture and has quickly established itself as a premium destination for financial and professional services. Now it is building a growing reputation for retail, which we believe the quality of the Waitrose offer can help enhance.

“We have been keen to come to Knutsford for a long time too and the new store offers us another platform to bring our service and produce to a new audience. Our new store has an important role in ensuring Princess Street attracts new shoppers and remains a vibrant retail shopping destination.”