The number of Sainsbury’s Locals will overtake the number of the company’s supermarkets with the opening of its 594th convenience store this week.
The UK’s second biggest retailer said the shop, opening in Balsall Common in Coventry on Thursday, is symbolic of how consumers are looking to shop little and often, rather than through one weekly shop.
Speaking at Sainsbury’s Farming Conference in December, CEO Justin King predicted the ongoing importance of convenience channels and services.
“You cannot serve customers well unless you serve them when and where they need it. We are opening two convenience stores every week and at the current rate they will overtake traditional stores.”
King also said that online food will grow between 10 and 20 per cent year-on-year, and online shoppers buy more fresh produce.
Mike Coupe, Sainsbury’s commercial director, said there is no sign of the convenience store trend abating.
“With only 6 per cent 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 across Britain as they bring increased footfall and trade,” he said.
He added: “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, are in a fantastic position to help customers do this.”
Sainsbury’s has opened 73 ‘Local’ stores so far this year and reported that its convenience stores grew nearly 18 per cent in the 14 weeks to 4 January. It said that online shopping saw more than 10 per cent growth.
Tesco already has more convenience stores than supermarkets.
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