Waitrose

Waitrose has announced six proposed store closures

Waitrose has announced a proposed closure of five shops in Hertford, Staines, Leek, Huntingdon and Cardiff will a potential of around 500 job losses.

The retailer is also considering closing its store in Palmers Green, London, although it is going ahead with eight store openings in 2017 as planned.

All jobs in the stores will be affected and have now entered a period of consultation.

Waitrose retail director Ben Stimson said:​ ​“We'd always try hard to avoid closing branches but we review how our shops are doing commercially and respond where we have to.

“We'll be consulting with our branch partners on these proposed closures and will make sure they have all the support they need.”​

The new Waitrose stores will open in Leatherhead and Faringdon in Oxfordshire, as well as Haywards Heath, Banbury, Bromsgrove, Finchley, Addlestone and Winchmore Hill, and will create almost 600 new jobs, the retailer said.

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