Waitrose has become the UK's first major supermarket brand to operate a cashless store after opening in Sky's new flagship head office building at its campus in Osterley. It is the first Waitrose to open on a workplace campus in almost 20 years and at 1,400 sq ft becomes the second smallest store in the retailer's estate. The little Waitrose branded shop is located inside Sky's new office building - Sky Central - which will be home to more than 3,500 staff.
Sky employees are only able to pay by card or through their mobile devices at one of the five self-service checkouts in the store. Waitrose opened its only other office based store in 1998 - a 520 sq ft shop at British Airways' Waterside headquarters in Harmondsworth. The retailer met with groups of Sky employees to determine what they would like to see in their new store. There is a focus on evening meals and food to go, including fresh sandwiches, wraps and sushi, as well as a selection of fresh produce and ingredients, celebration cakes, freshly cut flowers and store cupboard staples. Bread and croissants are baked each day, too.
Travel accessories and mini health and beauty range are also be available for those needing to travel at late notice or choosing to take advantage of the on-site gym.
The store is run by Waitrose employees with 20 jobs created. They have all become Partners in the John Lewis Partnership.
