Waitrose to relocate from Evington to Oadby
Waitrose has announced plans to relocate its store in Evington to its new supermarket in Oadby when it opens in November
The retailer received planning permission last year to redevelop the former Invicta Plastics factory located three miles away on Harborough Road in Oadby. The new store will be more than three times the size of Evington providing customers with a greater choice of quality products and services as well as modern facilities for staff.
Waitrose Evington will continue to trade up until the new store opens. Dates are to be confirmed later this year, however the supermarket plans to open its Oadby store by mid-November. Waitrose now aims to secure another food retailer to take over its lease in Evington.
All 82 Partners at the Waitrose supermarket in Evington have been informed and will be offered the opportunity to transfer to the new branch and take up one of the 200 roles that be will available at Oadby.
Mark Price, Managing Director of Waitrose, said:
"The decision to close Evington is not one we have taken lightly. We understand the disappointment it will cause, but regrettably it is not viable to keep both stores open. Therefore, rather than continuing to trade in Evington with a risk of future redundancies, we have taken the decision now so we can offer all our Partners the opportunity to relocate to Oadby.
"Since opening in Evington, our Partners have played a key role in establishing the Waitrose brand in Leicestershire. Their experience and expertise will be invaluable in ensuring that we continue to offer a first rate service to our customers.
"The new shop ensures a future for Waitrose in the area. It will provide our Evington Partners with job security and our customers with a significantly improved shopping experience, including a greater choice of quality products and new services."
Waitrose will also introduce home delivery in Evington when its Oadby store opens. Evington residents will be able to have Waitrose shopping delivered to their home either by shopping online or shopping at the new store for the retailer to deliver later at a convenient time.
For further information, please contact our Customer Sales and Support team on 0800 188 884