A new shop could be coming to Southend’s Fossetts Way after a major refurbishment of the Waitrose supermarket created space for a separate retail unit within the existing building.
The supermarket, which first opened in 1994, has reopened following an extensive makeover. The store has been reduced in size, while new and upgraded facilities include specialist food counters, a redesigned bakery and a refreshed café.
Plans submitted to Southend-on-Sea City Council in July 2026 include alterations to accommodate a new sublet unit, although no prospective retailer or opening date has been announced yet.
What has changed at Waitrose Southend?
The Fossetts Way supermarket has a brighter, more modern appearance, with improvements including a dry-aged beef cabinet offering premium British cuts, modernised meat, fish and sushi counters, and a redesigned bakery selling fresh bread and artisan loaves, including a section from GAIL’s.
The café has been refreshed and serves Partners Blend coffee, while the petrol station has also received a makeover.
Some shoppers have praised the updated surroundings, with one describing the result as a “wonderful shopping experience”. Others have been disappointed by the smaller store and reduced choice, particularly in homeware, clothing and some grocery ranges.
Long-standing customer Christine Roskams said: “I was a little disappointed, to be honest. I’ve shopped there since 1994 and loved being able to pick up John Lewis homeware and children’s clothes.”
Could another retailer open alongside Waitrose?
A planning application received by Southend-on-Sea City Council on 8 July 2026, proposes alterations to facilitate a new sublet unit within the existing store. It also covers an extended service yard, changes to parking, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, external café seating and alterations to the building’s exterior.
The plans indicate that space no longer occupied by Waitrose could be used by a separate retailer. However, the application does not name a tenant and there is no confirmed opening date.
Part of Waitrose’s £1 billion UK investment programme
The Southend makeover comes amid a wider drive by Waitrose to modernise and expand its UK estate. The retailer, part of the John Lewis Partnership, is undertaking a £1 billion multi-year investment programme involving refurbishments and new shops.
In an October 2026 update, Waitrose said its programme included 29 store refurbishments during 2026. Earlier in the year, branches in Haslemere, Barnet, Chiswick, Ruislip and Menai Bridge were among those upgraded, with improvements such as modernised meat and fish counters and redesigned bakeries.
Waitrose has also been investing in new locations, including the opening of a full-line supermarket in Cricklewood in October 2026. The changes in Southend reflect the wider focus on modern food shopping, although the reduction in space has not pleased every regular customer.
Electric vehicle charging at Waitrose Southend
Drivers can charge electric vehicles at the Fossetts Way site using Shell Recharge. Shell’s charging information lists connections including CCS and Type 2, with equipment rated up to 150kW. The site is also listed with CHAdeMO connections, although motorists should check the charger details before travelling.
The EV charging area is listed as accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including outside supermarket opening hours. Charging speeds depend on the car and battery conditions. Shell has listed a tariff of 79p per kWh through its app, but prices, availability and additional fees can change, so drivers should confirm the current rate on the charger or in the Shell app before starting.
Free coffee and tea for myWaitrose members
The store has a self-service hot drinks machine for members of the free myWaitrose loyalty scheme. Eligible members can claim one complimentary hot drink per day at participating stores by scanning their membership card and using their own reusable cup, subject to the current offer terms.
The self-service drink is separate from the refurbished café, where drinks are purchased as normal.
Waitrose Southend opening hours
Waitrose is at Fossetts Way, off Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, SS2 4DQ. Its usual supermarket opening hours are:
| Day | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday | 7.30am to 8pm |
| Sunday | 11am to 5pm |
Telephone: 01702 603403. Bank holiday and café hours may differ. Check the Waitrose store listing before a special journey.
Post Office opening hours inside Waitrose Southend
The Eastern Avenue Post Office inside Waitrose offers postal services and a range of other services, including selected banking transactions. It has different opening hours from the supermarket:
| Day | Post Office hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 9am to 7pm |
| Saturday | 8am to 1pm |
| Sunday | 11am to 5pm |
Service availability and holiday hours may vary. You can check the Post Office branch finder for current information.
What other facilities are available at the Waitrose in Southend?
- Customer parking, including disabled and parent-and-child spaces
- Customer toilets, accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities
- Cash machines and a photo booth
- Café and food-to-go area
- Petrol filling station and Shell electric vehicle charging
- Click & Collect and Scan Pay Go
- Self-service hot drinks machine for myWaitrose members
With shopping, postal services, fuel and charging facilities on one site, the Fossetts Way supermarket remains a useful destination for residents across Southend and the surrounding area.
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