Supermarket Waitrose is to create almost 3,500 new jobs.

The Sunreports that 225 openings will arise in nine new Welcome Break branches, while 1,200 will emerge in eight new Waitrose stores before January and a further 2,000 at Waitrose’s new convenience stores.

Waitrose says it could potentially open 300 such stores as it bids to create a significant impact on the convenience market through the development of new formats and channels that will dramatically increase its presence in the UK.   

Waitrose and Boots are in the process of re-branding Boots UK-owned pharmacies located in 13 Waitrose stores to ‘Boots Pharmacy’ with the work scheduled to be completed by the end of November.    

The firms are also in discussions to trial the sale of selective product ranges in each others’ stores, including Boots supporting Waitrose with healthcare and well-being ranges and Waitrose supporting Boots with a range of food. 

In a statement, Waitrose managing director Mark Price says: “We’ve broadened the appeal of our brand with innovations like Essential Waitrose, the ‘Seriously …’ range of indulgent cakes and desserts, Duchy Originals from Waitrose, new non-food ranges, and by being the first UK supermarket to get rid of delivery charges for online grocery shopping - and we’re seeing real sales momentum as a result.   

“Now, by opening up these new channels and formats, we’ll be making Waitrose accessible to more customers in more places and we’ll be able to create thousands of new jobs.  

“We’ve just reported a robust first half of the year and with continued strong performance from our existing stores and this move into the convenience market, we’re planning for double digit growth for the foreseeable future.”