Sainsbury's has teamed up with telecommunications provider Vodafone to create 'Mobile by Sainsbury's'.
The service, which will launch later this summer, will reward customer loyalty with nectar points and 'attractive offers' according to Sainsbury's.
'Research shows that many customers find the decision-making process a stressful experience and are looking for simplicity and certainty that they're getting great value', Sainsbury's said.
The full product range and pricing will be announced at launch later this summer and the mobile virtual network will be run as a joint venture between Sainsbury's and Vodafone, 'combining Sainsbury’s brand, customer insight and retail distribution with Vodafone’s expertise, technology and network', according to a press release from the retailer.
Commenting on the new joint venture, Luke Jensen, group development director at Sainsbury's said, "We’re extremely pleased to be working with Vodafone and look forward to developing a range of mobile products and services that will take the stress out of purchasing decisions in a familiar environment, offering what’s right for them whatever their needs may be."
Developing new business threads is a core element of Sainsbury's business strategy. Over the last year, Sainsbury's has launched eBooks by Sainsbury's, mp3 downloads and, most recently, its video on demand service. Earlier this year, Sainsbury's announced that it would buy out the remaining 50% stake in its joint venture with Lloyds Banking Group. (1 July)
© 2013 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine by Ellen Lunney
