UK Sainsbury Boosts Non-food Offering
LONDON - British supermarket chain J. Sainsbury Plc on Monday made a big push into non-food retailing, following the example of many of its competitors. Sainsbury, the country's third-largest supermarket, said it was rolling out 2,500 electronics, and cookware and houseware items in about half of its stores by the end of next month.
"Customers increasingly want supermarkets to offer other ranges and services in addition to their core food offer," Chief Executive Peter Davis said in a statement announcing the move.
The retailer, in the middle of a recovery plan, said the push into houseware and cookery products was its biggest launch of a new range. It has been losing market share to rivals like Asda, owned by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., and Tesco, both of which have broad non-food product ranges.
Sainsbury said it was also adding about 1,500 private label and established brands to its existing 4,500 health and beauty products.
"Customers increasingly want supermarkets to offer other ranges and services in addition to their core food offer," Chief Executive Peter Davis said in a statement announcing the move.
The retailer, in the middle of a recovery plan, said the push into houseware and cookery products was its biggest launch of a new range. It has been losing market share to rivals like Asda, owned by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., and Tesco, both of which have broad non-food product ranges.
Sainsbury said it was also adding about 1,500 private label and established brands to its existing 4,500 health and beauty products.