Sainsbury’s is ramping up plans to roll out its larger ‘neighbourhood hub’ convenience store format.

The grocer has opened two new sites under the concept, in Midhurst, West Sussex, and Bishop’s Waltham, Hampshire.  

Sainsbury’s said the stores are designed to offer consumers a “one-stop shop” proposition and cater for the shift towards longer shopping missions and bigger basket sizes that has been driven by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Key features of the new stores include coffee-to-go, fresh orange juicers, beauty and cosmetics areas and collection points for Argos and Tu clothing orders made online. 

The Midhurst store, pictured, is around three times the size of a standard Sainsbury’s Local, measuring almost 12,200 sq ft, while Bishop’s Waltham is slightly smaller at 9,100 sq ft.  

The openings come after Sainsbury’s piloted the format in Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, last year.

Earlier this month, the supermarket giant revealed plans to open 18 of the neighbourhood hubs over the next three years as part of new boss Simon Roberts’ strategy to “put food back at the heart of the business”. 

Sainsbury’s director of commercial operations Graham Biggart said: “At Sainsbury’s we’re constantly striving to make the experience for our customers as convenient as possible and we’re confident we have curated the ideal solution for these communities. 

“We know how important it is now more than ever to have access to everything you need close to home. These stores give customers convenience and great choice alongside Sainsbury’s renowned service.”

The grocer’s property director Patrick Dunne added: “These new stores reflect our strategy to put food first and commitment to our customers to provide them with convenient access to delicious and great-value food.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with local support since announcing our plans to open these stores, we know the demand is there and we’re confident these stores will thrive.”