Winner: Waitrose Spring Gardens Centre, Buxton
Store manager: Rachael Quinn
Size: 15.000 sq ft
Opened: 2006
Market share: 20.2%
Nearest rivals: Aldi - 0.2 miles, Morrisons - 0.7 miles, Iceland - 1.1 miles, Tesco - 9.3 miles
Store data source: Analysis by CACI. Call the market planning group on 020 7602 6000
How does Waitrose compare to the competition in Buxton? We offer something fairly unique in the town in terms of service and offer of products. Recently M&S closed, which was a real blow for the town, but we have seen good growth since then.
Has the store experienced a boost from Halloween this year? It is great when half-term and Halloween coincide as they have this year. Pumpkin sales have been brilliant, and sales generally are going well.
What else has been a sales driver for the branch? The growth in horticulture has been great this year as we have improved the assortment as a branch - and as a business - as well as the quality. We are known for our range of flowers.
Shop floor service received full marks. How important is service for the branch? Waitrose Buxton is very much about service. It is a point of difference for Waitrose and it is very much ingrained in this branch. We are a local branch and our customers expect great things from us. We have put lots of effort into our counters - whether that is fish, meat or the deli - to make the interaction special and promote the improved products, with tastings most days. Getting availability right, making the branch the best it can be and giving the customer the best service is absolutely our focus.
How has the new Waitrose No 1 premium range been received by customers? The relaunch has gone really well, with lots of new products added to the range. It has been on our front-of-store display for the past couple of weeks and we have offered a price promotion as well. It has been well received by customers. The new colour palette gives it a high-end feel and customers have been picking up products from the range as gifts ahead of Christmas, with boxes of chocolates, mince pies and panettone selling well. Christmas has just started for us, but the premium mince pies are always a bestseller.
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