Waitrose opens brand new shop in Chelmer Village, Essex

Today (10th July 2026) Waitrose open their brand new store at Chelmer Village Retail Park in Essex. The highly anticipated opening marks the latest milestone in our UK-wide £1 billion investment programme.

The opening of the shop has created 39 new local jobs and all new employees are Partners within the John Lewis Partnership.

At 7,000 sq ft, the new Waitrose Chelmer Village shop has been designed for accessibility and inspiration with more than 6,500 products available. Key highlights of the new store include:

• Waitrose Own Brand Ranges: A curated range of the food lovers’ favourite – Waitrose No.1 – including the £15 Evening Meal Deal – a restaurant-quality main, side, and a starter or dessert for two. Customers can also explore Essential Waitrose – the great value range which doesn’t compromise on quality, taste or animal welfare and Waitrose Duchy Organic – kinder farming, better animal welfare and no pesticides across a wide range of categories.
• Artisan Bakery: A fully stocked, fresh-in-store bakery offering breads, pastries, and sweet treats.
• Expansive Drinks Selection: A curated range of award-winning wines, and in response to demand for lower alcohol drinks, an expanded range of low and no alcohol wines and beers.
• Click & Collect and Delivery: Free on-site parking makes it easy for customers to pick up John Lewis and Waitrose Entertaining orders, while rapid home delivery via Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat is also available.
• The Food Lovers’ Club: My Waitrose members can enjoy a host of benefits including personalised offers, free hot drinks and products and 20% off selected fish counter products.

The store will also donate £12,000 annually to support local charities through Waitrose’s Community Matters programme.

Heading up the new store is Branch Manager and Essex-local, Richard Upton. Richard brings 17 years of experience within the John Lewis Partnership, most recently as Branch Manager of Little Waitrose Cambridge Fitzroy Street. Working alongside Richard, the Waitrose Chelmer Village team includes 39 new local hires and eight experienced Partners.