The convenience shop on Oaktree Road is to operate under the new Sainsbury's-supplied 'SimplyFresh' banner from next month.

 

 

Owner Steve Bassett, pictured, operates five stores in the south-west, and has opted to join the SimplyFresh grocery group "after recognising the market opportunity for his convenience store in Southampton, focusing on healthy food trends and fresh produce whilst gaining access to one of the most diverse own labels in the industry".

It's understood the new arrangement will mean Sainsbury's-branded products will be available both in the shop and for delivery.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to starting the development of my store and I know my team at the Bitterne Park store have been really enthused by the plans the SimplyFresh team have developed."

"This new structure with Sainsbury's really ticks the boxes for my business and most importantly my customers," he added.

A SimplyFresh-branded convenience shop in Webheath

Davinder Jheeta, brand and creative director for SimplyFresh, said: "We are incredibly excited about the launch of our newest SimplyFresh store with Steve.

"The Bitterne Park store has been designed for those who want to enjoy a sense of community and at SimplyFresh we see good food as being an integral part of that.

"We celebrate great products and are hugely passionate about fresh food and drink; we look forward to supplying the customers around the store and the local area with some fantastic specialist healthy products, as well as an excellent range of products from Sainsbury's, catering for all customers."

The partnership between SimplyFresh and Sainsbury's started last year with a reportedly successful trial at a London store.

The current Londis store on Oaktree Road, Bitterne Park

Updated 26/1/21 with up-to-date photos of the Londis store