WAITROSE will open its new Helensburgh store at 8am on Thursday October 24.
It will be the sixth Waitrose in Scotland, with 25,000 square feet of retail space, a coffee shop, petrol station and 180 car park spaces.
The branch has created around 200 new jobs in the area, with the recruitment process ongoing.
Brian Murrie, branch manager, said: “We can’t wait to open our doors to customers in October and I’m sure they’ll agree that it’s been worth the wait.
“We’re really looking forward to becoming a part of the Helensburgh community, especially because of the support we’ve received from local residents over the past couple of years.
“Over the next two months Helensburgh residents will really see the new branch take shape, and behind the scenes we’ll be completing recruitment, training our new Partners and organising our suppliers.”
Councillor Vivien Dance, who campaigned locally for the new Waitrose branch, said: “The weeks of speculation are finally at an end and the Supporters Group is delighted that this investment in Helensburgh has come to fruition. We look forward to welcoming Brian and his new Waitrose team into our community.
“This is a total good news story as the store and petrol station will not only provide increased retail choice and local employment, but additionally many of our local groups will benefit from the John Lewis Partnership approach to supporting community activities.”
As well as featuring products from local and regional suppliers such as the Argyll Smokery, Henshelwood’s Fine Foods (Isle of Bute) and Inverawe Smokehouse, the branch will also sell a selection of non-food items from John Lewis, such as stationery and cookware.
Waitrose Helensburgh will also have dedicated fish, cheese, meat and bakery counters, as well as free glass loan and the Waitrose entertaining range.
Waitrose Helensburgh will donate £12,000 each year (£1000 every month) to local good causes through its Community Matters scheme and will also donate 250 hours of partners’ time to volunteering for local charities, projects and initiatives. Customers will be able to nominate their favourite good causes in store.
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