Bosses at Sainsbury's have unveiled ambitious plans to roll out a 'new type' of supermarket across the country over the next three years.

We've put together everything you need to know.

What are Sainsbury's doing?

The move comes after Sainsbury’s recently opened the doors of two new stores with a fresh new format.

Sainsbury's say their new stores in Bishop’s Waltham and Midhurst are two of only 'three of their kind' across the retailer’s estate following the success of the 2019 pilot in Woodhall Spa. 

The new type of supermarkets - which Sainsbury's call 'Neighbourhood Hub stores' - aim to be the best “in neighbourhood” one-stop offer, with product choice and community at heart. The company said the new stores also cater to the shift seen throughout the pandemic across customer behaviour towards longer shopping missions. 

The supermarket chain said: "These new stores are a food-led extension of Sainsbury’s renowned convenience offer and are set up to serve longer missions due to their size and location."

What will the new type of stores include?

Key features of the new stores include Argos and Tu clothing collection points, value-added food proposition with coffee to-go and fresh juicers, broad produce range, meat-free and plant-based options, a variety of scratch cooking ingredients, floral and gifting, pet and household supplies, cosmetics and integrated beauty. 

Barry And District News: Inside the new 'Neighbourhood Hub' stores. Picture: Sainsbury'sInside the new 'Neighbourhood Hub' stores. Picture: Sainsbury's

How many of the 'new type' of Sainsbury's stores do they plan to open?

Sainsbury's plan to roll out about 18 hub stores over the next three years as part of its plan to put food back at the heart of the business. However, the locations have not yet been disclosed.

What have Sainsbury's said?

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Director of Property said: “These new stores reflect our strategy to put food first and commitment to our customers to provide them with convenient access to delicious and great value food.

"We’ve been overwhelmed with local support since announcing our plans to open these stores, we know the demand is there and we’re confident these stores will thrive.

"We’ve undertaken an extensive refurbishment to get them ready and know they will provide residents with a safe, fresh and convenient shopping destination.

"We take great pride in building and fitting out stores to suit the local community and these stores are an example of how we flex our estate to ensure we deliver for our customers.

"We look forward to rolling out more of these exciting new style stores and bringing convenience to local neighbourhoods across the country.”

Graham Biggart, Sainsbury’s Director of Commercial Operations added: “Our Neighbourhood Hub stores have the community at heart and offer our customers the opportunity to complete their shopping closer to home.

"We have set up these stores to offer the most relevant products and services our customers need to fulfil their daily needs, including longer shopping missions and a mix of great-value Food and General Merchandise, together with the convenience of Argos and Tu Clothing click & collect.

"At Sainsbury’s we’re constantly striving to make the experience for our customers as convenient as possible and we’re confident we have curated the ideal solution for these communities.

"We know how important it is now more than ever to have access to everything you need close to home.

"These stores give customers convenience and great choice alongside Sainsbury’s renowned service.”