Waitrose to open the first Aberdeen store this summer

Waitrose is to open a food hall in Aberdeen this summer, ending years of a wait for the giant supermarket to arrive in the Granite City.

The partnership between Dobbies, on the city’s Lang Stracht and the luxury chain means around 2,000 products will be available across the store.

It is expected to open in June with work on-going at the moment to get it ready for unveiling.

The food hall is currently stocked with Sainsbury’s products.

However, Dobbies previously announced it was ending its contract and switching to Waitrose, which is owned by John Lewis Partnership.

A Dobbies spokesman said: “The food halls in our stores are very popular and the Aberdeen team is excited about Waitrose being part of the shopping experience for customers, in June.

“Our existing partners will continue to be part of the offering, including Lindt, Whittards, the Cook range, as well as our fresh to-go bakery and butcher.

“Waitrose products will be an excellent addition.”

Long-awaited move to Aberdeen by Waitrose

Aberdeen has for years been seen as a likely target for a new Waitrose, which tends to be in relatively-affluent areas, but despite opening stores across the country it has never reached the Granite City.

Its current Scottish stores are in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newton Mearns and Stirling.

Waitrose executive director James Bailey said: “With Dobbies we will work with a partner that shares our values ​​when it comes to quality and service, and this underlines our ambitions to bring Waitrose food and drink to even more people throughout the UK,”

“It will take us into locations that are entirely new for us and build our presence in other areas where a Waitrose shop may not currently be conveniently accessible, despite the strong demand for our products.”

Dobbies also currently offers a click and collect service for John Lewis orders.

Following a successful trial last year it was decided to roll it out to the store permanently.