Sainsbury’s set to expand Hamilton store

Jan 21 2010 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A SUPERMARKET giant whose sales soared over Christmas are creating 80 new jobs in Hamilton.

The jobs boost comes as Sainsbury’s extend their store in the town’s Douglas Park Retail Park.

The firm are expanding so they can stock more non-food items such as clothing and homeware.

Michelle Dix, spokeswoman for Sainsbury’s, said: “Sainsbury’s are looking forward to improving the shopping experience for our Hamilton customers, as well as creating jobs for local people. The store extension is expected to create up to 80 new jobs for the local community.

“We will keep residents and customers fully informed when works are due to start as timeframes are yet to be confirmed.”

Meanwhile, the store’s petrol station will close next Monday while essential works take place.

The newly branded and improved petrol station will reopen on Wednesday, February 3.

Sainsbury’s plan to open 10 to 12 new stores in Scotland in the next two to three years.

Work has begun at their new £15million store in Strathaven.

Last August, the firm began recruiting for 200 positions at the new store, which is set to open in March.

The 20,000 sq ft store will also feature a petrol station and parking for 215 vehicles.

Sainsbury’s have a chain of 525 supermarkets and 303 convenience stores across the UK, with 38 of those stores in Scotland.

The firm are working closely with Job Centre Plus to ensure that as many of the jobs as possible are filled by local people.