STUNNED executives at supermarket group Waitrose have received nearly 1,300 applications for the 180 jobs that will be created when the company opens its first store in York.

Waitrose announced the scramble to fill vacancies at the same time as confirming the opening date for the store in Foss Islands Road as Thursday, October 28.

The job applications poured in over the course of only two weeks.

A Waitrose spokeswoman said: “It was a fantastic response. We were very impressed with the interest in us. We will need to go through a rigorous process to ensure that we pick the right people from a very high calibre selection, and interviews are ongoing.”

One of the big incentives to join the staff is that all new employees will become partners in the John Lewis Partnership, entitling them to a say in how the business is run, and from next year, an annual share in its profits.

Shaun Watts, president of York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The 180 new jobs are a fantastic boost and the fact that a premium retailer is investing in the city sends out a positive message that York is open for business.”

Stacey Stump, Waitrose’s York branch manager, said: “With exam results out, it’s no surprise that we’ve seen lots of applications from college leavers, as well as graduates and people already in the retail sector wanting a new challenge.

“We have had a fantastic response from people who are excited about Waitrose coming to York, and I am looking forward to introducing myself to, and working alongside the community.”

By the time the York Waitrose opens it will be the supermarket’s sixth in Yorkshire and second in North Yorkshire with one operating in Harrogate.

An agreement was reached by Waitrose with developers AXA Retail Estate in April to start fitting out the 22,000 sq ft food store on the former MFI building in Foss Islands Road on September 22.