Waitrose Reopens After Multi-Million Pound Refurb

High Road store has redesigned layout with a focus on fresh produce

Chiswick store staff cut the ribbon to reopen the store this Thursday

March 21, 2026

Waitrose Chiswick has reopened to customers this morning following an eight-week, multi-million-pound refurbishment that has completely transformed the store and marked a significant investment in the local high street. The branch, which celebrates its 18th anniversary this year, welcomed shoppers back at 8am on Thursday 19 March, with the first customers receiving complimentary tote bags to mark the occasion.

The overhaul introduces a redesigned layout intended to make shopping easier and more intuitive, alongside a series of upgrades that reflect Waitrose’s wider push to modernise its estate. The store now features electronic shelf-edge labels, freeing up staff to spend more time assisting customers, as well as new energy-efficient refrigeration throughout. A dedicated John Lewis Click and Collect desk has also been added to speed up collections and returns.

Shoppers can expect an expanded focus on fresh produce, high-quality meat and fish, and specialist ranges including the premium Waitrose No.1 line. The branch also supports rapid home-delivery options through UberEats and Deliveroo, and customers can order Waitrose Entertaining for collection.

Branch Manager Glen Porter, who leads a team of 68 Partners, said the reopening marks an important moment for the store and its relationship with the community. “We are absolutely thrilled to be reopening our doors and would like to thank everyone for their patience while we were closed — it was worth the wait,” he said. “The changes reflect the quality that Waitrose stands for and we can’t wait to be back as part of the community. Whether you’re popping in for a mid-week shop or taking the time to discover something new, we’re ready to welcome you back.”

Reaction from customers has so far being mixed with some commenting that the layout has not changed very much and suggesting that, for the money spent, improvements must have been 'under the hood' rather than enhancements that are immediately apparent to customers. There has been praise for the bakery and the switch to fresh meat produce away from ready meals on the left hand side of the store.

The interior of the new Waitrose

The refurbishment comes at a time of significant change for supermarkets in Chiswick. The nearby Marks & Spencer on the High Road only recently reopened after its own major upgrade, and Sainsbury’s has announced plans to redevelop its Essex Place store as part of a wider mixed-use scheme. With multiple retailers investing heavily in their Chiswick sites, the area is experiencing one of the most active periods of supermarket renewal in years.

Waitrose’s Chiswick transformation is part of a nationwide investment programme worth £1 billion, aimed at improving stores, expanding convenience formats and enhancing product ranges. Last year the company refurbished 23 shops and opened three new convenience stores. The pace of upgrades is set to continue throughout 2026, with further refurbishments planned across the country.