‘From automation to home working, Sainsbury’s changes highlight forces shaping retail’

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Sainsbury’s disclosure this week of a raft of business changes affecting its Argos general merchandise division, and putting at risk 1,400 jobs, crystallised some big retail themes of the moment.

The grocer intends to rationalise its network of general merchandise distribution centres, including the closure of two, and to spend £90m on the automation of the Daventry depot.

Sainsbury’s will also shut its Milton Keynes office – the former Argos HQ – and shift the emphasis of its Habitat business to online with the closure of three remaining showrooms.

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