UK retailer Sainsbury’s has announced that it has opened two stores under its new ‘Neighbourhood Hub’ format.
The new stores aim to offer the best in the ‘neighbourhood’ format with a particular focus on product range and community.
It also caters to the shift in consumer behaviour towards longer shopping trips due to the pandemic.
The new stores, located in Bishop’s Waltham and Midhurst, are two of only three of its kind across the retailer’s estate, and follow the success of the 2019 pilot in Woodhall Spa, Sainsbury’s added.
The stores opened less than a week after the retailer announced plans to roll out around 18 hub stores over the next three years.
'Food First'
Director of property at Sainsbury’s, Patrick Dunne, added, “These new stores reflect our strategy to put food first and commitment to our customers to provide them with convenient access to delicious and great value food.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with local support since announcing our plans to open these stores, we know the demand is there and we’re confident these stores will thrive. We’ve undertaken an extensive refurbishment to get them ready and know they will provide residents with a safe, fresh, and convenient shopping destination.”
Key highlights of the new stores include Argos and Tu clothing collection points, value-added food proposition with coffee-to-go, and fresh juices.
It also offers an extensive range of fresh produce, meat-free and plant-based options, a variety of cooking ingredients, floral and gifting items, pet and household supplies, cosmetics, and integrated beauty.
'Most Relevant Products And Services'
Graham Biggart, director of commercial operations at Sainsbury’s said, “Our Neighbourhood Hub stores have the community at heart and offer our customers the opportunity to complete their shopping closer to home.
“We have set up these stores to offer the most relevant products and services our customers need to fulfill their daily needs, including longer shopping missions and a mix of great-value food and general merchandise.”
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
