Waitrose is expanding its presence across the South West with a series of store and supply chain investments in Bristol, including a new regional distribution centre designed to support more than 50 shops.
The retailer is developing a 360,000 sq ft distribution centre in Avonmouth, its first regional logistics hub in the South West. This site will look to strengthen Waitrose’s network, improve product availability and support further growth across the region.
The facility, which is being developed in partnership with DHL Supply Chain and McLaren Construction, is scheduled to open in early 2027 and will create more than 550 local jobs.
Once operational, the site will serve more than 50 regional stores, helping Waitrose move products closer to customers while improving delivery efficiency and reducing transport emissions.
The distribution centre will incorporate climate-controlled storage, AI-powered forecasting and autonomous warehouse vehicles to automate routine tasks. Waitrose said the building will also meet advanced environmental standards, making it its most sustainable distribution hub to date.
Andy Perry, Waitrose supply chain director, says: “Our new Avonmouth distribution centre represents a significant milestone in expanding and modernising our logistics network.”
The investment forms part of the grocer’s wider £1bn multi-year expansion plan, with Bristol emerging as a focus for its retail and logistics operations.
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A 30,000 sq ft full-line supermarket is planned for the Brabazon development in North Bristol, with an opening scheduled for 2028. The store is expected to create 150 jobs.
Waitrose has also confirmed plans for a 3,000 sq ft convenience store on North Street in Bedminster, South Bristol, which is due to open in early 2027.
Together, the projects are expected to create at least 700 jobs across the region, strengthening the retailer’s presence while providing additional infrastructure to support its stores and online operations.
Waitrose chief commercial officer Charlotte Di Cello describes the investment as helping the grocer bring its food and service closer to customers across the country.
“Our investment in the South West reflects our ambition to be the first choice for food lovers across the country,” she adds.
“By investing in our own stores and online offering, we can bring our exceptional service and responsibly sourced food directly to where our customers live, work, and travel far faster than ever before.”
The retailer has also agreed a travel retail partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail, extending its presence at Bristol Airport following its debut at Heathrow in May.
From summer 2027, Waitrose food-to-go ranges will be stocked across three RELAY stores at the airport, comprising one landside and two airside locations. The expansion follows the opening of two Heathrow shops, with a further two planned for Terminal 2 next year.
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