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A new plan to open a network of 300 small stores by UK retailer Waitrose, which has developed propane based refrigeration technology to be introduced in every new and major refitted branch starting in 2010, could provide great potential for the deployment of such technology in the country. 

Last week, UK food retailer Waitrose unveiled plans to open a network of up to 300 convenience stores across Britain. The decision follows successful trials of such stores in Nottingham and Bristol.

An opportunity for hydrocarbon technology?

The announcement comes 3 months after the retailer announced it had developed a new, propane based refrigeration technology, which will dramatically reduce its carbon footprint by 20 per cent. The technology will be introduced in the new Waitrose Altrincham branch in 2010 and in every new and major refitted branch thereafter.

The development and roll-out of the propane based refrigeration technology is part of Waitrose’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the refrigeration used in its stores. To tackle the issue, the company set a target for a 50% reduction in carbon dioxide equivalent emissions resulting from refrigerant losses.

Format of the convenience stores

The retailer opened its first convenience branch in Nottingham already last December, and intends to bring the total to four by the end of this year. The small outlets already launched by the retailer encompass a 5,000-7,000 sq feet format. In addition to this, Waitrose will trial new 2,000-4,000 sq ft shops in 2010 and is also planning at least nine new motorway service stores.

Around two-thirds of the upcoming outlets will be 2,000-4,000 sq ft, while the remainder will be 5,000-7,000 sq ft. According to managing director Mark Price, it will take between five and 10 years to open all 300. Price further said that the small stores would be focused on selling "food for now and food for tonight", with a strong focus on fresh products.