Sainsbury’s is driving the growth of its convenience business across the UK, the retailer insisted today (26 March), after announcing plans to open more stores in the south east.
The company announced that it will be expanding its convenience network in London and the south east by one-third, with plans to open 50 new Sainsbury’s Local outlets in the region by the beginning of 2014.
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However, the company is also eyeing nationwide expansion. “We are looking at other areas of Britain,” the spokesperson confirmed.
Sainsbury’s operates a national chain of 523 convenience stores, 150 of which are located in the south east of the country. The convenience business is witnessing sales growth of 18%, much of which is driven by store openings.
In 2012/13, Sainsbury’s announced plans to open one to two convenience stores a week and the company has opened 87 outlets in the year-to-date.
Sainsbury’s declined to comment on its capital expenditure levels, suggesting more detail will be revealed at its prelims in May.
