How Many Sainsbury’s Stores Are There in the UK?
Introduction
If you’re a frequent shopper in the UK, you’ve likely visited Sainsbury’s — one of the country’s largest and most recognizable supermarket chains. But have you ever wondered just how many Sainsbury’s stores are spread across the UK? Whether you’re navigating a large city or a smaller town, knowing how many stores are in your area can help you plan your grocery runs and make the most of their loyalty programs. In this article, we’ll explore the number of Sainsbury’s stores across the UK, the different types of stores they operate, and regional breakdowns, along with insights into the supermarket’s growth and future plans.
Overview of Sainsbury’s as a Supermarket Chain
Sainsbury’s, founded in 1869 by John James Sainsbury, has grown from a small shop in London to one of the UK’s largest and most popular supermarkets. The company has consistently ranked among the “big four” UK supermarkets, alongside Tesco, Asda, and Morrisons. Over the years, Sainsbury’s has expanded its offerings, including groceries, clothing, home goods, and more, while maintaining a focus on quality, customer service, and affordability.
Today, Sainsbury’s operates thousands of stores across the UK and has a strong online presence, offering home deliveries and an easy-to-use shopping app. With its extensive reach, it’s no surprise that people are curious about just how many Sainsbury’s locations are available to them.
How Many Sainsbury’s Stores Are There in the UK?
As of 2025, Sainsbury’s operates approximately 1,400 stores across the UK. These stores are spread out in cities, towns, and rural areas, and can be categorized into different types based on their size and the services they offer. Below is a detailed breakdown of the total number of stores and their distribution.
Store Types
Sainsbury’s operates a variety of store types, including:
- Supermarkets: Larger stores offering a wide range of products, from groceries to household items.
- Sainsbury’s Local: Smaller, convenience-focused stores, ideal for quick and easy shopping.
- Sainsbury’s Online: Though not a physical store, Sainsbury’s extensive online grocery delivery network plays an increasingly significant role.
Here’s a breakdown of the store types:
| Store Type | Description | Number of Stores |
| Supermarkets | Larger stores with full product ranges | ~600 stores |
| Sainsbury’s Local | Smaller convenience stores for quick shopping | ~800 stores |
| Online Presence | Online shopping and home delivery services | Nationwide coverage |
Total Store Count
- Total stores in the UK: Approximately 1,400 stores (combining supermarkets and Sainsbury’s Local).
Breakdown of Sainsbury’s Store Types
Supermarkets (Large Format Stores)
Sainsbury’s supermarkets are larger stores, usually located in suburban and city areas, offering a comprehensive range of products. These stores typically carry everything from fresh produce to frozen foods, clothing, and home essentials.
As of the latest data, around 600 supermarkets are spread across the UK. These stores are crucial to Sainsbury’s overall business model and contribute significantly to its revenue.
- Example Locations: Major cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham each have multiple large-format stores to serve dense populations.
- Flagship Stores: Some supermarkets are considered flagship locations, offering an even wider selection of products, often in central locations.
Sainsbury’s Local (Convenience Stores)
Sainsbury’s Local stores are smaller, more convenient shops designed to meet the needs of customers who want a quicker, easier shopping experience. These stores are typically found in busy urban areas or near public transport hubs, catering to people who need to grab essentials on the go.
Sainsbury’s Local has been growing steadily in recent years, with around 800 locations throughout the UK. These stores typically offer a smaller selection of goods, focusing on fresh produce, ready meals, snacks, and everyday essentials.
- Example Locations: You’ll find many Sainsbury’s Local stores in high-density cities like London, Manchester, and Bristol.
- Convenience Factor: The rise of convenience stores has allowed Sainsbury’s to meet the increasing demand for quick, local shopping.
Online Stores and Delivery Services
While Sainsbury’s does not count online stores as part of its physical store count, its online grocery service is an important part of its business. Customers can order groceries online and have them delivered to their homes, a service that has grown in popularity, particularly with the rise of digital shopping and the recent shift in consumer habits.
- Nationwide Coverage: Sainsbury’s delivers to most areas across the UK, with increasing online availability in rural and suburban regions.
- Online-Only Products: Some items are only available online, further expanding the company’s offerings beyond physical stores.
Sainsbury’s Store Distribution: Regional Insights
Sainsbury’s has an extensive reach, with stores located throughout the UK. However, the number of stores varies depending on the region, with certain areas having a higher concentration of Sainsbury’s locations than others. Below is an overview of Sainsbury’s distribution across key UK regions.
| Region | Number of Stores | Major Cities with High Concentration |
| London | ~300 stores | Central and Greater London |
| South East | ~250 stores | Surrey, Sussex, Kent, and Hampshire |
| North West | ~150 stores | Manchester, Liverpool, and surrounding areas |
| Midlands | ~150 stores | Birmingham, Coventry, and Nottingham |
| Other Regions | ~550 stores | Smaller towns and rural areas |
- London: The capital has the highest concentration of Sainsbury’s stores, with around 300 locations. These include both large supermarkets and numerous Sainsbury’s Local stores catering to the busy city population.
- South East: The South East region, including Surrey and Sussex, follows closely with about 250 stores, many in suburban areas.
Challenges in Store Distribution
While Sainsbury’s has a strong presence in urban and suburban areas, expanding in more rural locations has proven to be more challenging. However, the company has been focusing on smaller, local stores to address this gap.
Sainsbury’s Growth and Expansion Strategy
Sainsbury’s has made significant strides over the years in growing its store network, and it continues to evolve with changing market trends. The company has pursued various strategies for expansion, including opening new stores and adapting existing ones to meet the needs of today’s customers.
Recent Store Openings and Closures
Sainsbury’s has opened a number of new stores in recent years, particularly in urban areas where demand for both larger supermarkets and convenience stores is high. However, it has also closed some stores that were underperforming or unable to compete with online shopping.
- 2023-2024: Sainsbury’s opened X new stores while closing X underperforming locations.
- Store Closures: Some closures are a result of changes in shopping habits, with more people opting for online shopping or convenience stores rather than large supermarkets.
Plans for the Future
Looking ahead, Sainsbury’s plans to continue expanding its store network, especially with smaller-format stores that cater to urban areas. Additionally, the supermarket chain is likely to increase its focus on its online shopping platform, adapting to the increasing demand for home delivery and click-and-collect services.
Comparison with Other UK Supermarket Chains
Sainsbury’s operates around 1,400 stores in the UK, which is a significant number, but how does this compare with its competitors? Here’s a quick comparison of store counts across the major UK supermarket chains:
| Supermarket Chain | Number of Stores |
| Tesco | ~4,000 stores |
| Sainsbury’s | ~1,400 stores |
| Asda | ~600 stores |
| Morrisons | ~500 stores |
Sainsbury’s is certainly a major player, but it falls behind Tesco, which operates a far larger number of stores. However, Sainsbury’s focus on convenience stores (like Sainsbury’s Local) helps it cater to a wider variety of customer needs.
FAQs About Sainsbury’s Stores
How many Sainsbury’s stores are there in London?
London is home to around 300 Sainsbury’s stores, making it the region with the highest concentration. These include both large supermarkets and smaller convenience stores like Sainsbury’s Local.
Are there Sainsbury’s stores in rural areas?
Yes, Sainsbury’s does operate stores in rural areas, although they tend to be fewer in number. Many rural locations are served by Sainsbury’s Local stores, which cater to customers looking for a more convenient shopping experience.
How many Sainsbury’s Local stores are there?
Sainsbury’s Local, the smaller convenience format, makes up about 800 stores across the UK. These stores are perfect for quick grocery runs and are often located in urban and suburban areas.