# Waitrose launches Cricklewood supermarket amid £1bn expansion plan

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/waitrose-opens-first-new-supermarket-in-eight-years-in-north-london/
- Published: 2026-10-22T04:00:06+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-22T05:38:29+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/oct/22/waitrose-new-supermarket-london-cricklewood-hale-barns-greater-manchester
- Topics: Art, Business, Culture

## Key points

- Waitrose opened its first new supermarket in eight years.
- A second large store will open next month.
- Sales rose, but operating profit fell.

## Summary

Waitrose has opened its first new supermarket in eight years in Cricklewood, north London, as part of a £1bn investment plan. A second large store is due to open in Hale Barns next month, signalling an expansion effort as the grocer faces strong competition and works to improve its performance.

Waitrose plans four smaller stores next year and is refurbishing 29 outlets this year, adding features such as fresh food counters and bakeries at some locations. Sales rose 4% in the six months to 1 August, but underlying operating profit fell by £7m to £103m amid spending on prices and its loyalty scheme, as well as higher energy costs. Its staff-owned parent, the John Lewis Partnership, reported a £98m pre-tax half-year loss.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.