Sainsbury's opens its 1,000th store and 59th in Scotland, says its Scotland expansion program will create 800 jobs in country in next 18 months

Cindy Allen

November 30, 2011 (J. Sainsbury) – Sainsbury's has today announced that its ambitious expansion programme will create 800 new jobs in Scotland over the next 18 months. This announcement comes on the day that the retailer opens its 1,000th store, in Irvine, North Ayrshire.

The jobs will come from new supermarkets in Montrose and Pitlochry as well as an extension to its East Kilbride store. Sainsbury's also plans to open a number of its smaller Local stores in Scotland over the coming months.

Mike Coupe, Sainsbury's Group Commercial Director, said: "We are thrilled to be able to announce these new jobs today and we are sure that they will make a real difference to communities across Scotland. Since opening the first Sainsbury's in Scotland in 1984 we have gone from strength to strength and we now have over 8,000 colleagues working in nearly 60 stores. We are also a huge supporter of the wider Scottish economy sourcing over £600 million of Scottish lines annually and stocking around 1,500 Scottish lines in our stores around the UK.

"The opening today at Irvine and the 800 jobs we will create is just part of our wider commitment to Scotland. Through the proposed Public Health Levy, Scottish Ministers are penalising one of the few sectors which continues to grow and create jobs and which is crucial to Scotland's economy."

The Irvine store, Sainsbury's 59th in Scotland, is a 60,000 sq. ft. store and features a fantastic array of food and non-food products. The new store has created 248 new jobs, mainly from the local area. Of these 47 went to people who were previously unemployed. Alongside this Sainsbury's has donated £200,000 to enhance the town centre and provide new play facilities for local residents.

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.