Store gallery: Sainsbury’s launches first Fresh Food Market at new-look flagship

The 62,000 sq ft store in Hempstead Valley, Kent, reopened this week following an eight-month renovation, which focused on making the store more “spacious, welcoming and safe” for customers.

It is the first Sainsbury’s supermarket in the country to pilot its new Fresh Food Market – a new food hall format with a market-style presentation of fresh fruit and vegetables, featuring new signage and a bigger focus on seasonal, British produce. 

The supermarket also features a new-look cafe, dedicated on-the-go hub with snacking, coffee machine, fresh juicer and sushi bar, as well as an Argos store.

Sainsbury’s has also renovated the in-store beauty, clothing and homeware offerings, as well as installing a new self-service patisserie counter and takeaway hot food bar including a pizza counter. 

The retailer has also renovated the staff communal areas and the petrol station next door. 

The changes made in the multi-million-pound renovation will also save Sainsbury’s 30% in gas use and 15% in electricity annually and will form a key part of the retailer’s store redevelopment plans moving forward as it aims to become net carbon zero by 2040. 

Sainsbury’s property director Patrick Dunne said: “Our Hempstead Valley store gives our customers a one-stop-shop experience. We’re really proud of it and the way in which we have completed the refurbishment works for our customers as efficiently and safely as possible.  

“We have undergone eight months of work and through the patience and support of the local community have continued to trade throughout. 

“We have completed an extraordinary amount of work to improve the product and service experience for our local customers and we know the changes we have made will be enjoyed for many years to come. 

“We will also use many of the learnings throughout the phases of work, together with the ongoing feedback from our customers and colleagues on our changes, to help us as we continue to invest in our stores.

“We want our stores to be a hub of inspiration to help our customers create the plate of food that best serves them and their family.”