Sainsburys signals commitment to non-food expansion

News

Ben Furfie Mar 11 2008, 11:43am

Hires senior Next manager to head up doubling of operation

Sainsburys has sent out its strongest signal so far that it is serious about doubling it’s the size of its non-food operation with the hiring of Next's general manager for homewares, Claire Sollis.

This follows the supermarket's announcement that its PC department would be a key benefactor of its plans to double the amount of retail space it dedicates to non-food products by 2010.

As well as PCs, entertainment lines, clothing, furniture and kitchen appliances will also be bolstered.

It is expected to relaunch the online side of its non-food business before the end of this year, and ahead of rival Asda.

The appointment follows comments from Richard Jones, the company's director of general merchandise and global sourcing, in which he said the firm will launch a series of new non-food ranges this coming autumn.

Source: RetailWeek