With over sixty years of working for Waitrose in Putney store

You might expect a family to squabble about what they keep in the fridge. But not the Tweeddale’s who, all work at Waitrose Putney; helping customers and keeping the chilled section full of fresh produce.

Mum, Cheryl; Dad, Vince; and daughter, Eloise have between them more than sixty years experience working at Waitrose and are now getting ready for the store to re-open on Thursday 17 January following a multi-million pound extension and refurbishment.

Cheryl Tweeddale describes what it is like working with her family and how the shop has changed during that time:
“It’s not often that you get a family all working together at the same place, let alone in the same department, but since my daughter, Eloise, joined two years ago we’ve helped look after the fresh section at Waitrose Putney together.

She continued: “It’s been fantastic working here and although some of the products and shelves may have changed the culture and service are still exactly the same. I really enjoy the variety you get working with customers and particularly my regulars who I recognise from when I first started at the branch in 1996. Customers have been really positive about the new scan as you shop service, Quick Check, and Click & Collect so we can’t wait to re-open with a lot more new fresh lines on our section and our new cook and dine range.

Putney’s Waitrose first opened in 1996 and after 16 successful years has received a multi-million pound investment after 16 successful years trading. The shop floor has increased in size by 1,700 sq ft to 20,300 sq ft. Like every Waitrose branch the Putney store gives away £1,000 every month to local charities and projects through its Community Matters scheme and Partners donate 250 hours every year to helping local causes through our Partner Volunteering scheme.

David Coltman, Branch Manager at Waitrose Putney said: "On behalf of all the Partners who work at Waitrose Putney, I'd like to thank the people of Putney for their patience whilst the shop has been transformed. The new branch will have 1,800 new lines, with more fresh products and for the first time our new Cook & Dine range.

“We now offer our time-saving scan-as-you-shop service, Quick Check, in a shop that has a much better layout and significantly lower carbon footprint. We're looking forward to re-opening and welcoming our customers back to see our new store."

Anne Partridge, Centre Manager at The Exchange said: “Since Waitrose became part of the Exchange in 1996, the store has been a great success for both Waitrose and the Centre. To build on this, The Exchange and Waitrose have been working in close partnership to create an exciting new and extended store for Putney customers with both parties making significant investment in the town centre. The new improved store fits with our on-going strategy to increase pedestrian flow to the Centre through active investment in the asset, for the benefit of all stakeholders involved in the scheme.”