Shell U.K. Limited (Shell) and Sainsbury’s Supermarkets Limited (Sainsbury’s) have today announced plans to expand their joint fuel and convenience store operation at 100 existing Shell locations across the UK, creating up to 2,000 jobs.
This decision follows a successful trial at six sites combining Shell’s branded forecourts and Sainsbury’s Local store format. The emphasis of each site will be on convenience, quality fuels and ease of shopping. The stores will provide a range of ready meal solutions, quality fresh fruit, vegetables and prepared salads, beers, wines and spirits, bakery, everyday non-food items and Shell’s car care and lubricant products.
Sir Peter Davis, Sainsbury’s Chief Executive said: “The Sainsbury’s Local format is a great success; measured by sales per sq ft, eleven of the top twenty performing stores in the company are Locals and three of these are located on Shell forecourts. We believe our convenience store offer is the best in the UK and by working with Shell we can bring Sainsbury’s quality convenience food shopping into new areas of the UK and within easy reach of millions of new customers.”
Adrian Loader, President Shell Europe Oil Products, said: “This is a very attractive offer for UK motorists and shoppers. The extensive range of products in the Sainsbury’s Local format together with our selection of quality fuels and lubricants – including Shell Optimax, the best selling premium fuel in Britain – makes for a winning combination.
“It is tremendous news that we are looking to expand our joint operations at 100 sites and this alliance fits in very well with our strategy of managing our portfolios flexibly to deliver better value and more choice to our customers.”
