Press Release - Staplehurst Community Checks out Their New Sainsbury’s

A Few Highlights from Sainsburys' Press Release

• New store and over 100 new jobs for Staplehurst village
• New generation supermarket with a number of important sustainable initiatives
• Multi-million-pound investment provides access to over 40,000 products, seven days a week
• Store features Sainsbury’s Fresh Food Market, bakery, self-serve patisserie, hot food and pizza counter, Argos Store in Store

The new Sainsbury’s Staplehurst team of around 120 colleagues today welcomed customers through the doors to their new state-of-the-art 18,000 sq. ft supermarket. Over 100 of the colleagues working in one of the retailer’s most sustainable stores are new to the business, with over 75 per cent of the colleague team calling the village home. The new supermarket has also supported hundreds of jobs during construction, including engaging around 500 tradespeople on site during the ten-month long development.

The first 500 customers in store were also gifted a special edition bag. The bag has been designed by six-year-old Staplehurst resident Eden. Eden also received a certificate and her own framed bag to keep as a souvenir of the opening day. (please see picture attached)

The Sainsbury’s team in Staplehurst will play an active role in the local community and support Sainsbury’s nationwide community programmes and charity partners. In January Sainsbury’s also announced an additional £1 million community fund for stores to donate to charities and other good causes in their local areas. This follows Sainsbury’s ‘Help Brighten a Million Christmases’ campaign that raised £6 million in December for over 800 local charity partners, including local charities Maidstone Food Bank, Maidstone Salvation Army and Homeless Car Maidstone Day Centre.

Sainsbury’s Property Director, Patrick Dunne said: “We’re very pleased to open the doors and share this much-anticipated store with the local community. We have created over 120 jobs and I’m especially proud that we’re welcoming a number of local young people entering the workforce for the first time. This is a state-of-the-art store that we know will serve the village for generations to come. Thank you Staplehurst for your support and patience as we delivered this store safely and efficiently.”

Sainsbury’s Staplehurst Store Manager, Kwadwo Osei said: “My team and I are delighted to offer local residents a new shopping experience that gives them convenience alongside quality and low prices.”

Staplehurst Parish Council Chairman, Paddy Riordan said: “The communication with the Parish Council on this store has been absolutely excellent and helped us keep residents informed throughout the build. The whole Sainsbury’s team have been a pleasure to work with throughout the project and they have been very keen to address any concerns that the Parish Council have raised. Very well done to everyone involved.”

Kent County Councillor for Maidstone Rural South, Eric Hotson said: “I’m delighted that this modern store is now open to customers. It’s very exciting to have the newest supermarket in the country right here in Staplehurst.”

Maidstone Borough Councillor for Staplehurst, John Perry said: “I’ve always supported this new Sainsbury’s store and eagerly awaited this day. I’m so pleased to see this level of investment made in our village and know it will make such a difference to so many in our community.”

Maidstone Borough Councillor for Staplehurst, Louise Brice said: “I’m thrilled to see the doors finally open and that so many residents have secured jobs with such a responsible employer. This supermarket is a real boost to the local community and is providing many opportunities that local people will benefit from.”

To read the full press release please follow the link:

Sainsbury's Press Release