Sainsbury’s is due to introduce wellness hubs in seven of its stores in a move to take on high street health food stores like Holland & Barrett.
The grocer is aiming to shore up its position in the wellness market, predicted to be worth £12.4 billion by 2020, by introducing dedicated wellness fixtures stocking nearly 500 products.
It will also become the only supermarket to stock brands like No 1 Kombucha, Tribe and Curators, alongside a full range of wellness goods including supplements, specialist food and drink and vitamins.
The trial hubs will be installed in Sainsbury’s new “experimental” superstore in Selly Oak, alongside stores in Newbury Park, Watchmoor Park, Coldhams Lane and St Clares this year, with Cheadle and Lee Green stores to receive the hubs early next year.
“Wellness and sports nutrition are areas that are becoming increasingly popular with our customers,” Sainsbury’s food commercial director Paul Mills-Hicks said.
“To make sure they can find everything they need quickly and easily, we’ve doubled our range, introducing specialist and premium brands that customers won’t find in any other stores.
“With such a convenient choice of distinctive products, we’re confident that health-conscious customers won’t need to shop anywhere else.”
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