Reasons to welcome Waitrose

The entry of Waitrose, a retailing giant with almost 300 stores on the other side of the Channel, into the Jersey marketplace is likely to introduce the variety and competition that third supermarket proponents seek while avoiding the prospect of new sites having to be found for completely new operations.

The Sandpiper-Waitrose deal has yet to be ratified by the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority, but if it goes ahead as planned, consumers should see new product ranges on the shelves at Red Houses, Safeway and at Rue des Prés. They might also see keener price competition.

There is, however, always more to any takeover or buy-out than the impact on clients. The future of employees is also an issue, but in this case assurances have already been given.

It has been announced that the 480 staff at the three outlets will all be offered new positions by Waitrose.

In addition, there are plans to create up to 100 extra jobs here as well as a similar number in Guernsey.

Staff should, meanwhile, be content if Waitrose does become their new employer.

There is no evidence to suggest that Sandpiper is ever anything less than a good organisation to work for, but, as part of the John Lewis Partnership, Waitrose is party to an employment philosophy which emphasises employee rights and fair remuneration and the value of management and the shop floor having the same goals and aspirations.

The partnership also operates a profit share scheme which has been described as ‘legendary’.

Although it might appear that Sandpiper are passing over control of their flagship businesses, they will maintain a very substantial presence in Jersey and Guernsey. As the group’s chief executive, Tony O’Neill, has pointed out, the Waitrose deal should enable them to concentrate their efforts on the stores and franchise businesses that they continue to operate.

The islands’ other large-scale supermarket operator, the CI Co-op, will no doubt be monitoring developments very carefully.

That said, a new organisation in control of existing outlets should be seen as less of a challenge than one or more completely new supermarkets. Moreover, the Co-op has shown every sign in the past of relishing fair and honest competition.

There is no reason why it should cease to view the marketplace in these terms.