Waitrose & Partners news

Waitrose has reported higher sales and a recovery in operating profits in its full year results to 26th January 2019. Headlines: sales growth, operating profit recovers Sales grew +1.2% to £6.8bn, with like-for-like sales growth of +1.3% . Operating profit (before exceptional items) recovered from a weak FY2017 result, growing +18.1%  to £203.2m Waitrose's online business outpe...

The overall growth of the UK grocery market was 1.9% in the 12 weeks up to February 24th, according to the latest data from the Kantar Worldpanel. This was a slight increase of +0.2 percentage points on January, reflecting a nudge upwards in both inflation and volume.  Brexit: despite growing concern shoppers are not stockpiling Brexit remains a key issue. Shoppers are worried about its imp...

The UK’s Groceries Code Adjudicator, Christine Tacon, has today (18 February) launched her annual survey, inviting suppliers to share their experiences of trading relationships with major retailers and highlight any issues they are facing.   This year the survey – the sixth carried out by the GCA - includes Ocado and B&M, which were designated by the Competition and Markets Authority in Novemb...

The ‘last mile’ has become an increasingly competitive place, as the food industry and disruptors continue to create solutions that make online shopping even more convenient. We know that the convenience and ease of online shopping is extremely appealing to shoppers. We’ve identified several examples of last mile solutions that help online shoppers embrace this convenience. Increase in un...

Britain's overall grocery market growth was slightly higher at 1.7% in the 12 weeks to January 27th than the 1.6% growth we saw over the Christmas period, according to the latest data from Kantar Worldpanel. Sales declined by £1.5bn from December, however this was expected as shoppers made the inevitable cut backs after Christmas. Inflation remained the same at 1.3%, implying a small amount of...

Waitrose & Partners has launched a freshly-made sushi delivery service, that allows customers to have sushi delivered to them at work or at home within two hours. Waitrose Rapid Delivery Waitrose customers are now able to order sushi products, freshly made in-store at the retailer’s Sushi Daily counters, for delivery. The sushi is then delivered through its Waitrose Rapid Delivery trial ser...

The retailers take different, innovative approaches to long-term reduction of plastic waste. M&S supporting circular economy with plastic take-back initiative New recycling bins in store will allow shoppers to return plastic packaging which they can't recycle at home. This includes items such as black ready meal trays and cosmetics containers. Packaging collected will be used to create stor...

Waitrose & Partners has announced the appointment of a new finance director and other changes to its senior management team. Ross Avery is the newly appointed finance director Avery has worked for the business since 2001. He worked in stores for seven years, progressing into retail leadership roles, followed by being appointed head of strategy in 2013. After this he worked as ecommerce dire...

Senior Retail Analyst Nick Gladding looks at how Christmas played out for the grocery sector and the key challenges facing our industry in 2019. IGD newsletters Get the latest industry news and insights straight to your inbox with our range of newsletters. Sign up here

Waitrose & Partners reported sales growth of +0.2% to £1.047bn, with like-for-like sales of 0.3% in the seven weeks to 5 January 2018. Strategy to stand out for products, service and "doing the right thing" Waitrose & Partners' modest growth was achieved despite reduced promotional activity, as the retailer focuses on delivering profit growth for the full year. Online grocery performance...