Sainsbury's opens first combined c-store and pharmacy
Unique proposition
Sainsbury's has been providing a pharmacy offer to Guy's Hospital and St Thomas' Hospital since 2012 and is now offering a convenience range as well. The store will offer a broad range of convenience goods to staff, visitors, and patients at the hospital. This is the first time a retailer has combined a convenience store and a pharmacy in a hospital setting.
Broadening appeal
Retailers are continually challenging the definition of convenience, looking for new ways to meet shopper needs. The move by Sainsbury's to link its convenience and pharmacy businesses together to operate in a hospital setting demonstrates the innovation which is taking place within the channel. Tesco is also looking to broaden the appeal of its small stores with the launch of a food-to-go format in London. Again, this is an example of how retailers are looking to evolve their store formats.
Serve our customers better
Commenting, Simon Twigger, Sainsbury's convenience director said "We know people want to shop locally and frequently, and this is why our stores are conveniently located in the places that people want and need them". Jat Sahota, head of pharmacy and health care added "We have over 270 pharmacies and are always looking for new ways to serve our customers better."
Want to know more...
Hear the latest about Sainsbury's convenience business from Simon Twigger at our Convenience Retailing conference in October. At the event you will also have the opportunity to hear from retailers representing every segment of the channel as well as leading suppliers. For more information, click here.
source: RetailAnalysis
