Waitrose aims to create 3,000 jobs in 2011

The new store openings follow a successful Christmas for Waitrose, which saw the retailer’s sales grow by 8.9% and 5.4% on a like for like basis (based on 23 days until 23 December).

Waitrose’s strong December performance continued beyond Christmas, with total sales up by 9.7% and 5.9% on a like for like basis (based on the five days Waitrose traded between Christmas and 31 December). Sales were driven by a particularly strong New Year’s Eve, with Champagne and party food top of customers’ shopping lists.

In 2011, Waitrose has 12 full-sized supermarkets in the pipeline, including five new branches in the Channel Islands (which will open between February and April) and new shops in Stratford, Raynes Park, Wimbledon, Exeter, Marlow and Newton Mearns (Glasgow).

The remainder of the new branches will be convenience shops in locations such as Old Brompton and Palmers Green (both opening in January).

The new jobs will include management and non-management roles, as well as food specialists in meat, cheese, fish and wines.

Source: Waitrose

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