Waitrose & Partners has taken the difficult decision to close stores in Helensburgh in Argyll and Bute in Scotland, Four Oaks in the West Midlands, and Waterlooville in Hampshire.
The details of the arrangements are not yet finalised, but the expectation is that Helensburgh will close in May and Four Oaks and Waterlooville will close in June.
The 403 Partners working at these shops will now enter a period of consultation and as part of this Waitrose & Partners will explore opportunities within the Partnership for those who wish to remain with the business.
Waitrose & Partners director of selling and service delivery, Simon Burdess, said, “We haven’t taken this decision lightly but we have to do what’s right for the business as a whole. Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, we haven’t been able to find a way to make these shops profitable in the long term.
“Our priority now is the wellbeing and future of our Partners in these shops. We will do everything we can to support them and will explore opportunities for anyone wishing to remain with the Partnership.”