Waitrose is investing in its convenience store estate, with plans to open at least 10 new Little Waitrose stores in and around London next year.

The retailer is also progressing with plans to open a further four convenience stores by the end of this year, including sites in Sidcup, Monument, East Putney and another location to be confirmed.

More than 500 people applied for 50 jobs in Waitrose’s new Monument shop, set to open on September 10.

Waitrose director of development, Nigel Keen, said: “In what is a challenging time for high streets we are pleased to be in a position to bring forward plans for new investment, which ensures we can continue build our presence in and around London. Although we are still relatively new to the convenience sector, our opening programme is gathering pace and we are building sales all the time.”

The company currently operates 38 convenience stores across the UK.