Upmarket supermarket chain Waitrose has unveiled plans to create approximately 550 new jobs in Bristol, marking a significant expansion of its operations in the South West of England.
A Major Boost for Bristol Employment
The new roles will be based at a state-of-the-art distribution centre in Avonmouth, which is scheduled to open in early 2027. The facility will be operated by logistics partner DHL, with recruitment set to begin in the spring. The job creation will comprise 480 warehouse positions and 80 driver roles, providing a substantial boost to the local economy.
Driving Efficiency and Future Growth
Waitrose stated that the Avonmouth hub is designed to significantly improve delivery efficiency for its existing 50 shops across the South West. Furthermore, the investment is a strategic move to pave the way for future expansion in the region. This initiative forms part of a wider £1 billion commitment by the retailer to grow its brand and enhance its 317 shops nationwide.
Part of this substantial investment is being directed into artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to streamline supply chain processes. The grocer is using AI to analyse customer behaviour, factoring in influences like sports events, weather changes, and promotions to better predict spending patterns.
A Commitment to Sustainability
The new Bristol warehouse is being hailed as Waitrose's most sustainable building of its kind. Key eco-friendly features include the installation of 1,200 solar panels on the roof and the integration of advanced energy-efficient systems, underscoring the company's environmental commitments.
This expansion comes as Waitrose continues to increase its market share. According to the latest data from Worldpanel by Numerator, the retailer now holds 4.7% of the UK grocery market. Notably, the average spend per trip rose by 6.5% in the 12 weeks to December 28, outperforming its competitors.
In a further sign of its growth in the area, the John Lewis Partnership-owned brand will also open its first full-size supermarket in seven years in the new Brabazon neighbourhood in north Bristol next year.
