Waitrose moves into Crouch End
Charlotte Newton THE upmarket supermarket chain Waitrose has confirmed that it is interested in taking over the empty Woolworths shop in Crouch End. There has been much speculation that the food giant may take over the former premises of Woolworths in the
Charlotte Newton
THE upmarket supermarket chain Waitrose has confirmed that it is interested in taking over the empty Woolworths shop in Crouch End.
There has been much speculation that the food giant may take over the former premises of Woolworths in the Broadway, since it closed in January.
Today that option looked a step closer to becoming reality after the supermarket confirmed that it was in negotiations with the leaseholder.
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A spokeswoman for Waitrose said: "We have always been interested in bringing Waitrose to Crouch End and this is one of a number of options we are aware of in the area, however, we have no announcements at this time."
The news was welcomed by many in the community, who would like to see the empty shop in the heart of Crouch End, abuzz with people once more.
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But it came as a blow for some independent food retailers.
Chris Freeman of Dunns Bakery in the Broadway said: "If Waitrose does come to Crouch End we will have four food supermarkets - we already have M&S, Tesco and Budgens.
"This does pose a threat to the independent food sector in Crouch End but there is no god given right to our existence. We will just have to raise our game and step up to the challenge by ensuring we continue to give customers what they want."
Mr Freeman added that he thought Crouch End could do with a budget children's toy - or clothes - shop.
Lib Dem Crouch End Cllr Dave Winskill said: "My main concern is for the impact that it will have on the small independent food sector in Crouch End that make an absolutely fantastic contribution to the life of the area; and it's crucial that shoppers continue to support them.
"It would of course be good for the overall health of the shopping centre, if the Woolworths site was at last occupied.
