Sainsbury's to launch new 'on the go' hubs after axing three counters in store (2025)

SAINSBURY'S has undergone a major change to its supermarkets that will affect stores nationwide.

Following the closure of three of its food counters, the popular supermarket has launched new On-the-Go hubs.

Later this year the brand will launch the hubs with an expanded selection of fresh food options.

Launching in autumn, these hubs will be the new go-to for hot food items.

In an earlier announcement, Sainsbury's said: "From the Autumn, we will create new On the Go hubs with flexiserve hot food offerings, delivering an improved customer experience."

Sainsbury's had announced the plans earlier this year in their financial report.

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They said the change would help to "drive growth and availability at a reduced cost to serve".

While the plans were announced earlier this year, the changes are now underway.

It includes closing down its patisserie, hot food and pizza counters.

Loyal customers have no need to worry, as Sainsbury's told the Express that the most popular items will still be available in self-service cabinets across the majority of stores.

The retailer is instead preparing to launch an expanded section of fresh food options with the freed-up space.

It comes after the company closed all of its cafes earlier this year.

The decision led to a loss of 3,000 jobs - affecting around two per cent of its 148,000 staff.

It was part of a wider plan to "simplify the business" during a "particularly challenging cost environment".

They will also be converting their scratch bakeries to bake-off, improving quality, value and availability throughout the day

They hope the changes will help reach its goal of £1 billion in cost savings by March 2027.

Simon Roberts, Chief Executive of J Sainsbury plc, said: "We've transformed our business over the past four years. We have created a winning combination of value, quality and service that customers love, investing £1 billion in lowering our prices.

He added: "More people are choosing Sainsbury's for their main grocery shop as a result, delivering our highest market share gains in more than a decade.

"We are committed, above all else, to sustaining the strong competitive position we have built - consistently giving customers the great value they have come to expect from Sainsbury's - and we expect to continue to outperform the market."

He also said that the brand has added Aldi Price Match to "more products than ever before".

They also provide offers on more than 9,000 products with Nectar Prices.

Mr Roberts said: "Nectar is taking our ability to create personalised value and loyalty to the next level and our long-term contracts with farmers and suppliers demonstrate our commitment to resilience and sustainability across the UK food system."