Waitrose to open 18,000 sq ft store in Cricklewood this autumn

Waitrose is preparing to open an 18,000 square foot supermarket on Cricklewood Broadway this autumn. The new store, located at 194-196 Cricklewood Broadway, occupies the ground floor of the Eden NW2 development. This opening marks a significant expansion for the upmarket retailer in the area, which currently requires residents to travel to West Hampstead, Golders Green, or Finchley Road for their nearest Waitrose.

Store Details and Investment

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The Cricklewood store will offer Waitrose's full product range and is part of a multi-year £1 billion investment by the company. This investment aims to expand the company's reach into new areas and improve shopping convenience. Plans submitted to Barnet Council detail the store's branding, including its signature green livery, and signage such as 'Home of Food Lovers' above the customer car park entrance. The retail space was originally intended for ASDA before Waitrose secured the lease within the Eden NW2 development, which comprises 95 rental apartments.

Internally, the store will feature less retail space and more back-office facilities for staff, referred to as Partners. These include a dining room, training room, staff WCs and showers, a quiet room, management offices, and customer toilets. The wider Eden NW2 development also includes amenities for residents such as a lounge, workspace, cinema room, gym, and a community courtyard.

Resident Reactions

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Local reaction to the impending opening has been largely positive, with some residents expressing anticipation on social media platforms. Posts on the Next Door app, referencing hoardings outside the store that read 'Coming Soon Waitrose Cricklewood Doors open this autumn', included comments such as 'I can’t wait to shop there' and 'Can’t wait … Welcome Waitrose'. However, some residents have voiced concerns about the potential for shoplifting. One comment on the Next Door app stated: 'Shoplifters already sorting out their shopping list!'

Waitrose Retail Director Tina Mitchell commented on the strategic importance of the new store. She stated that the opening is an important step in plans to bring Waitrose to more customers. Mitchell added, 'We want to be in the places that matter most to our customers, offering the quality, service and convenience they expect from Waitrose, while continuing to invest in our existing shops and wider network.'