Waitrose is set to open its first in-store Gail’s Bakery in a move aimed at “enhancing and improving” its experience for customers.
Due to open on 6 June, the launch comes a year after the premium grocer first introduced dedicated Gail’s bakery areas within 64 of its stores.
Built in Gail’s traditional style, shoppers at Waitrose’s east London Canary Wharf branch will soon be able to order fresh goods and drinks prepared on site at the 280 sq ft cafe, alongside its click-and-collect services.
It will also offer home and office delivery for its sharing ranges.
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Waitrose said the new move “reinforces our commitment to enhancing and improving the Waitrose experience for customers, a record number of whom shopped with us last year”.
It added it also builds on its wider strategy to invest in stores through upgrades, refurbishments and new openings.
Waitrose customer director Nathan Ansell said: “Building on our successful partnership with the launch of a new and innovative Gail’s bakery is hugely exciting.
“Synonymous with quality, expertise, and taste, Gail’s very much reflects our own core values and we know how much our food loving customers enjoy their products.”
The grocer said its Canary Wharf location makes up nearly 5% of total Gail’s Waitrose sales. While nationally, sales of Gail’s lines within the retailer’s stores are up 35% year-on-year.
Gail’s managing director Marta Pogroszweska added: “We are delighted to be opening one of our neighbourhood bakeries within the Canary Wharf Waitrose.
“We look forward to further strengthening our partnership with Waitrose and welcoming the community to our latest craft bakery.”
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