The Bookseller reports that Sainsbury’s is forecasting 30% growth in its books business over the next 12 months. The supermarket chain–the UK’s second largest with 788 stores–is planning to include wider book ranges in a further 70 stores by March 2008; currently 150 have the new format, which features improved point of sale material, better merchandising space and up to 27 bays for books.
Sainsbury’s new book buyer Kate Greenlaw, who recently joined from THE, said the new space would drive sales and give customers a “more comfortable” shopping environment. “Sales are generally growing slowly but steadily,” she said. “But a wider range of books, clear point of sale, awareness of back catalogue and increased availability is why Sainsbury’s is forecasting growth of 30% for the next 12 months.”