SAINSBURY’S IN DEAL WITH OASIS TO LIFT FASHION SALES

SAINSBURY’S is putting Oasis concessions in its supermarkets in a bid to grab a bigger slice of the fashion market.

The grocer will put concessions in five of its stores alongside its own-label fashion range Tu, which already accounts for £1bn of annual sales.

Sainsbury’s, which is the sixth largest clothing retailer in the UK by volume, said that it wanted to become a fashion destination for shoppers.

Two of the new concessions will open before the retail trade’s crucial Christmas period in Sydenham, south London and Selly Oak, near Birmingham.

Sainsbury’s now has more than 400,000 square feet of store space dedicated to concessions, such as shoe retailer Clarks and Specsavers, equivalent in size to around six football pitches.

Oasis was launched in 1991 and has around 80 stores in the UK and Ireland.

James Brown, director of commercial at Sainsbury’s, said: ‘We are delighted to be welcoming Oasis to Sainsbury’s stores.

‘Its on-trend fashion ranges will complement our high-quality Tu clothing offer, and support our strategy to make our stores leading fashion destinations.

‘The initial trial will see two stores open in time for Christmas which is brilliant news for those looking for a party outfit or a special gift.’