Waitrose is to open its first shop in West Hampstead, which is expected to create 50 jobs for local people.
The retailer has agreed to acquire the 3,000 sq ft Pizza Express unit in West End Lane and plans to convert it into a little Waitrose convenience shop early next year, subject to planning consent being granted for a change of use.
Pizza Express had been marketing the unit and existing staff have all now been informed. They will look to redeploy all staff to other branches of the restaurant chain.
Waitrose Director of Development, Nigel Keen, said, "When the the unit became available, we didn't want to miss the opportunity to realise a long-standing ambition to open a shop in West Hampstead and add the Waitrose brand to an already impressive collection of independent shops and established high street chains. We would welcome the chance to open here and play our part in ensuring it remains a vibrant village which continues to attract visitors."
© 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine by Ellen Lunney
