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Waitrose Unveils First Stores Outside The UK

Waitrose

4 November 2008

Waitrose, the food shops of the John Lewis Partnership, has today opened the first of two new stores in Dubai, UAE - its first shops outside the UK - in a licensing partnership with Fine Fare Food Market LLC (FFFM).
The retailer has opened a new 55,000sq ft store in the prestigious Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai. Located next to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Dubai, the development is one of the world’s largest shopping malls.
Another 26,000sq ft Waitrose shop will open in the Dubai Marina Mall in early December, with plans for more stores in the region, subject to the availability of suitable sites.
The two stores, which will employ around 300 staff between them, signal a fresh expansion approach for the supermarket after it entered into a licensing agreement with FFFM to use the Waitrose brand.
FFFM will run the daily operation of the stores supported by the Waitrose team in the UK. They will focus on delivering the Waitrose shopping experience outside Britain as well as maintaining its high standards throughout the supply chain.
The new shops have been designed to embrace the ambience of Waitrose while catering for the specific needs of the local communities. They will offer a wide range of fresh foods and groceries as well as dedicated delicatessen, meat, fish and cheese counters. A selection of John Lewis homewares will also be available.
Mark Price, Waitrose Managing Director, comments:
“Growing our business internationally through a strong strategic partnership with Fine Fare Food Market LLC will support our long term growth plans. We share the same values and high standards when it comes to quality food and service and look forward to developing our relationship in the future.
“The Dubai Mall and Marina Mall are undoubtedly among the most exciting and innovative retail developments in the world and we are delighted to be represented in both. They are set to become important retail centres, building on Dubai’s growing reputation as the international shopping destination.”
Earlier this year, Waitrose revealed a new Market Town Format and in December it will launch its first convenience store in Trinity Square, Nottingham.