Sainsbury’s Convenience Business Goes From Strength to Strength

13 Jan 2014 --- Sainsbury’s reaches another milestone this week as the number of Sainsbury’s Local stores exceeds its supermarkets for the first time. This follows news that Sainsbury’s convenience business is growing at 18%.

The landmark store, Sainsbury’s Balsall Common Local in Coventry, is Sainsbury’s 594th Local and opens on Thursday. The new store, which is also a petrol filling station, has created nearly 30 new jobs for local people.

Mike Coupe, Sainsbury’s Group Commercial Director, said: "We know the trend amongst customers is to shop little and often as this helps them stick to their budget and cut down on food waste. Our Local stores, with their convenient locations and emphasis on fresh food, something very much part of our heritage, are in a fantastic position to help customers do this.

"There is no sign of this trend abating and, with only 6% of the population living within a 15 minute walk of a Sainsbury’s Local, there’s plenty of opportunity for us to grow, creating jobs for local people and helping to revitalise high streets and communities across Britain as they bring increased footfall and trade."

Sainsbury’s pledged to open two new convenience stores each week during 2013/14 and has opened 73 so far this year. Over 14,000 colleagues work in Sainsbury’s Local stores. In November 2012 the retailer announced plans to create 10,000 jobs through the expansion of its convenience business within the next three years and always works to fill these jobs with local people whenever possible.

According to IGD, there are over 47,000 convenience stores in UK, with the value of UK convenience sector is £35.6bn rising to £46.2bn by 2018 (IGD). The convenience market generated total sales of £35.6bn in the 12 months to April 2013. This equates to a 4.9% year on year increase (IGD).