StrongPoint plays key role as Sainsbury's Next Level strategy sees roll-out of new Local c-store format

Sainsbury's has taken the wraps off a new look Local convenience store format.

This launched at its refurbished Pudsey Town Local store in Leeds, which reopened in late February. Variations were rolled out to two new openings in London last week, at Bermondsey Square and Sloane Avenue Locals.

It is part of the retailer's Next Level strategy, which aims to enhance its c-store offering in line with evolving customer needs.

StrongPoint has played a key role in this project by supplying locker hardware, developing bespoke software, and delivering shopfitting works.

The company says: "From start to finish, we’re delighted to have supported the project to a smooth handover, helping bring their new store concept to life and enhance the customer experience. It’s been great to support the transformation and we look forward to future collaborations."

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

StrongPoint was among the winners at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended last week’s gathering.