Waitrose opens Birmingham store after help from Pinsent Masons

WAITROSE has opened the doors of its first Birmingham city centre store following help from Pinsent Masons.

The law firm assisted the retail group in its lease negotiations for the 3,000 sq ft unit in Colmore Row.

Tom Johnson, partner at Pinsent Masons, said: “We were pleased to have been able to assist Waitrose in its negotiations to take a lease of its new store.

“It will be a close neighbour to our Birmingham office and a welcome addition to the grocery shopping options in the business area.”

The Little Waitrose store sells a range of fresh fruit and vegetables and is designed to cater for the area’s business community and for commuters heading in and out of Snow Hill Station.

The new store has created 39 new jobs, which were over-subscribed 10 times during the recruitment period.

Barbara Parker, store manager, said: “We have long had ambitions to open a shop in the city centre. The last few weeks have been very exciting, as the finishing touches have been made and partners completed their training.”

The store will be taking part in Waitrose’s Community Matters scheme, which donates £500 each month to local projects and causes.  The first three causes to benefit will be the Birmingham Dogs Home, The Sir John Middlemore Charitable trust and The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.