Winning Convenience Format Leads To Further Little Waitrose Openings

Hot on the heels of scooping Convenience Retailer of the Year at last week’s FPC Fresh Awards 2025, a new Little Waitrose has opened in London as part of the premium grocer’s multi-million pound investment in new and revamped stores across the UK. 

Image: Waitrose

The announcement from Waitrose follows last week's opening of another new Little Waitrose convenience store in The Arches, Bristol – the same city where in 2027 Waitrose plans to open its first new full-line supermarket for seven years, and where the company is building its first distribution centre in the region.

Waitrose said it is working on opening new convenience and full-line stores throughout the UK to deliver the “very best products, service and shops for customers”. 

The company plans to inject £1bn over the next three years into new stores and improvements to 150 existing shops, almost half of its estate. 

Last year the company said it plans to open up to 100 convenience shops alone across the UK over the next five years.

Meanwhile, more than 20 stores will undergo refurbishments this year, almost double the number year-on-year. 

New and improved Little Waitrose branches in Crouch End and Old Brompton Road are due by the end of the year, as well as an upgraded Waitrose supermarket in Coulsdon. 

Further transformations are scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, the retailer added.

Image: Waitrose – Little Waitrose Wandsworth New Acres

Waitrose said it has committed to a multi-million pound investment in London. The brand new 2,500 sq ft Little Waitrose convenience store in Wandsworth New Acres follows the recent transformation of shops in Marylebone and Clerkenwell, which feature considerable upgrades including improved fruit and vegetables sections.

As the retailer further strengthens its foothold in the city, Tina Mitchell, Waitrose Interim Managing Director, said London has always been home to Waitrose and central to the the retailer’s success. 

“Today, as we open our 62nd store in the capital, we’re committing to investing millions to expand and refresh our portfolio,” she explained. “We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and by continually listening to what our customers want and need, we are well positioned for future growth in London and across the UK.” 

Image: Waitrose

Little Waitrose Wins Convenience Retailer of The Year 

Launched in 2008 and rebranded in 2011, Little Waitrose is the smaller store format of Waitrose, offering high-quality fresh food to customers in busy, urban locations throughout the UK, such as city centres, train stations, and petrol stations.

The convenience stores focus on offering appealing fresh food hubs that are designed to inspire meal ideas among customers, combined with an easy shopping experience, all the while retaining the hallmarks of Waitrose’s signature quality and freshness.

The format is clearly popular since Little Waitrose won Convenience Retailer of the Year at the FPC Fresh Awards 2025, held last week in central London. 

The concept was highly praised by voters for its “fabulous options”, “great value produce”, and “top customer service”. 

View the FPC Fresh Awards 2025 Winners' Brochure.