The new Waitrose supermarket in Hove opened its doors this morning (Thursday 10 April).
The firm took over its Nevill Road premises from the Co-op last month and spent the past four weeks refitting the shop.
Waitrose, which is owned by the John Lewis Partnership, said that it would give £1,000 a month to local charities.
The £1,000 is allocated in proportion to the number of green tokens received from customers.
The first three local causes to benefit from the Community Matters green token scheme will be the Martlets Hospice, Rockinghorse children’s charity and the Hangleton and Knoll 50+ Steering Group.
Customers can nominate different charities each month, resulting in a total of £12,000 donated over each year.
Representatives of the first three charities were present when the first customers arrived this morning.
They were joined by Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, chairman of the Brighton and Hove City Council Economic Development and Culture Committee, and Nick Mort, the store manager.
Councillor Bowden said: “The new Waitrose will employ 230 people which includes 150 new jobs for local people.
“The partnership has always demonstrated a highly ethical approach to business both in terms of its staff and community relations.
“It is serious about its corporate responsibility agenda too, supporting local charities and encouraging its staff to take part in its volunteering programme.”
Mr Mort said: “We’d like to thank everyone that has shown their support and given us a warm welcome in Hove.
“We’re committed to the town and looking forward to playing our part in attracting even more shoppers to the area.”
