Which Waitrose stores are closing and where?

Co-op has swooped in to buy four of the shops

Shops in Manchester, Birmingham and London are set to go (REUTERS)

The John Lewis Partnership, which owns John Lewis and Waitrose, announced on Wednesday that it expects profits to be almost completely wiped out this year.

The partnership also said it would close five Waitrose stores across the UK, although it expects the upmarket grocery chain to remain profitable throughout 2018.

The stores earmarked for closure are as follows:

• Spinningfields, Manchester

• Manchester Piccadilly

• Colemore Row, Birmingham

• Portman Square, London

• Camden, London

Four of the shops closing are Little Waitrose convenience stores, while the Camden branch is a small supermarket.

Following JLP’s announcement, the Co-op revealed it had exchanged contracts to take over four of the store locations. Meanwhile, Aldi has purchased the site in Camden and plans to open in spring next year.

Graham Hetherington, Aldi regional managing director, said: “The Camden store is an opportunity to reach customers in a busy London borough, many of whom may not have experienced Aldi’s award-winning, quality products at unbeatable prices before.

“We expect details of the agreement to be finalised in autumn and work will then begin to refit the store with a view to opening in spring next year.”

Stuart Hookins, Co-op director of property portfolio and development, said: “We are pleased to have worked with Waitrose to agree the purchase of four of its convenience stores. Our acquisition and refit programme forms a fundamental part of our food strategy.

“Our aim is for stores to be at the heart of local life, creating stronger communities and offering great quality products conveniently, when and where our members and customers need them.”