Waitrose announces Holsworthy store opening date

WAITROSE is to open its multi-million pound food shop in Holsworthy on Thursday, June 4. Having acquired the freehold of the former Somerfield store in Station Road in January, the retailer has promised to spend millions revitalising the shop and investi

WAITROSE is to open its multi-million pound food shop in Holsworthy on Thursday, June 4.Having acquired the freehold of the former Somerfield store in Station Road in January, the retailer has promised to spend millions revitalising the shop and investing in training new staff. Waitrose will be handed the keys to the store on May 21 when it will start a two-week makeover and train its new employees, including all former Somerfield staff. The new team will include trained specialists for the meat, fish, cheese and delicatessen counters.They will all become partners in the John Lewis Partnership, entitling them to a say in how the business is run and from next year an annual share in its profits. Last month, existing partners were told they would receive 13 per cent of their annual salary, the equivalent of just under 7 weeks wages, in their March pay-packet.Waitrose Holsworthy manager Nick Harris said: "With the economic climate as it is, it's great to be able to invest in towns such as Holsworthy, which is a fantastic town with a real passion for food and has a great community spirit. "It's a very exciting time for us with just over two months to go, as we're starting to see our plans for the store unfold. I'd like to thank everyone in Holsworthy, in advance, for their patience and understanding throughout the refurbishment."Holsworthy will take the number of Waitrose stores in the UK to 208, the supermarket's 3rd in Devon.