More than 900 people are battling it out for just 33 positions at Shrewsbury’s first Waitrose store, it has been revealed.
The store will open its doors on Pride Hill next Thursday, with bosses overwhelmed by the interest shown.
The positions were advertised on the company’s website and the retailer also worked with Jobcentre Plus (JCP) to find employment for JCP’s priority customers.
Barbara Parker, store manager, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of applications and the calibre of those applicants has been fantastic. We only wish that we could create even more jobs in the area.”
Councillors and traders have welcomed the arrival of the store, but have stressed the need for people to continue to shop in the town’s independent shops and markets.
Shrewsbury Town Councillor, Andrew Wagner, said: “I think it’s absolutely brilliant that a company like Waitrose is coming to the town centre.
“We have wanted a small supermarket like that in the town for a long time. I can see why so many people have applied for the jobs in the current climate, I just hope that people don’t forget places like the market and the independent shops in the town. We want them to flourish as well.”
And John Hall, chairman of Shop in the Loop, added the store could be competition for wine shops and delicatessens in town, but said it was a welcome addition which could ‘stimulate an appetite for fine food and wine’.
by Charlotte Hester