Sainsbury’s has launched a new ‘Fresh Food Market’ format at a revamped store in Hempstead Valley, Kent, as part of its wider drive to refocus on its core grocery offer.
The concept features a market-style presentation of fresh fruit and vegetables, with a focus on seasonality and British heritage. The shop design and signage has also been overhauled as part of an ongoing multi-million-pound redevelopment.
Other updated elements in the superstore include a refreshed café, new look bakery, hot pizza counter, a self-serve patisserie, and a food-to-go hub. There is also a new Argos concession, an updated Tu clothing and home section, and refreshed beauty department.
Sainsbury’s said the upgrade, which includes updates to decorative imagery, lighting and fixturing, represents one of its largest individual investments in a store renewal this year.
The retailer stated that the Hempstead Valley pilot would allow it to review how customers and staff interact with the new environment before rolling out the changes across its estate.
“Our new Fresh Food Market is a great example of what we are doing to delight our customers in our stores and showcase our brilliant products,” said Sainsbury’s Commercial Operations Director Graham Biggart.
“We have created an environment that is both exciting and easier for our customers to shop our delicious, nutritious and great value food. We have also designed the Fresh Food Market to be operationally simpler for colleagues to replenish and maintain.
“We’re looking forward to hearing what our customers and colleagues think of the new format and design as we prepare to roll out more changes across our stores in the future.”
Last week, Sainsbury’s opened the doors of two new stores operating under its new ‘Neighbourhood Hub’ format.
NAM Implications:
- As with all retail innovation…
- …shopper response will determine success.
- In which case, anticipate full roll-out…
- …and climb aboard now, if possible.
