Waitrose Expands Rapid Delivery Hours in 35 UK Stores

Waitrose has permanently extended its rapid grocery delivery service to 35 stores across the United Kingdom, with some locations now offering 24-hour service and deliveries arriving in as little as 20 minutes. The expanded hours are available through partner apps including Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat.

This change means customers can order a range of items, from fresh ingredients and ready meals to toiletries and household essentials, with extended delivery windows. Most participating stores will now deliver until midnight, while a select number will operate a 24-hour service. Alcohol deliveries remain subject to individual store licensing hours.

The decision to make the extended hours permanent follows a successful trial conducted during the FIFA World Cup in June and July. During the tournament, Waitrose extended rapid delivery hours at over 50 stores, observing a 17% rise in orders during key matches. Customer order patterns continued to show demand for these extended hours after the tournament concluded, prompting the permanent rollout.

Waitrose operates approximately 320 stores in the UK and has been increasing its presence on third-party delivery platforms in response to growing demand for rapid grocery services. The rapid delivery offering includes thousands of Waitrose own-brand and branded products.

In parallel, Waitrose has also been expanding its physical retail presence, opening its first airport store at London Heathrow Terminal 2 earlier this year. The company plans to open a total of four Relay stores in Terminal 2 by the end of 2026, aiming to cater to busy travelers with a focus on food-to-go options. The first airport store operates daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. This expansion into airport retail is part of a strategy to grow the brand in high-traffic locations.