Waitrose will open its first distribution centre in the South West of England in early 2027. Located in Bristol, the site will be operated by DHL and will create more than 550 new jobs in the region.

The site forms part of Waitrose’s plans to transform its supply chain through a multi-year £1billion investment. The retailer has invested in AI-driven customer demand forecasting to improve product availability, while also enhancing the experience of colleagues by reducing manual processes. 

The new facility will improve delivery efficiency for the retailer’s 50 existing shops in the region, while also supporting future expansion. DHL will begin recruiting 480 warehouse colleagues and 80 drivers from spring 2026 to support the new DC.

Alison Maffin, Waitrose’s Supply Chain Director, said: “As we grow, it’s essential that our supply chain grows with us. This new site strengthens our network, ensuring consistent service for our customers and creating over 550 jobs in a state-of-the-art facility. DHL shares our commitment to sustainable logistics, making them the perfect partner for this next phase of our expansion.”

The new building has been rated BREEAM ‘Outstanding’, making it the retailer’s most sustainable site to date. Waitrose estimates that the centre will help reduce annual supply chain emissions by 2,225 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to removing more than 1,500 vehicles from the road each year. Lorries will refuel at the world’s largest biomethane refuelling station, located opposite the warehouse.

Martin Willmor, CEO of DHL Supply Chain UK&I, said: “We are excited to be working with Waitrose as they expand their regional presence while reducing supply chain emissions. The new Bristol site reflects our shared commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, whilst supporting the community.”