Waitrose opens Hove superstore a week from today

Waitrose is preparing to open its Hove superstore a week from today – on Thursday 10 April.

The supermarket firm has been fitting out the Nevill Road shop since taking it over from the Co-op on Thursday 13 March.

It promised meat, fish, cheese, delicatessen, bakery and patisserie counters – and, from May, a home delivery service.

Waitrose said; “The new store will be run by a team of around 200 partners, including the existing Co-op employees and approximately 100 new members of staff.

“Partners are each entitled to a say in how the business is run as well as a share of the profits in the form of a yearly bonus which last year equated to nine weeks’ wages.

“When the store officially opens its doors, it will be launching a number of initiatives to help support the local community.

“Every month it will donate £1,000 to local charities and groups nominated by customers as part of its Community Matters scheme.

“Staff will also provide 250 hours of their time each year to causes through the Waitrose Partner Volunteering programme.”

Nick Mort, opening branch manager for Waitrose Hove, said: “We’ve reached an exciting stage with work due to start to fully refit the store and convert it into a modern new branch.

“We’ve created around 100 new jobs and have a fantastic team in place ready to welcome our new customers.”