Sainsbury’s opens first store at Manchester Airport

The new Sainsbury’s Local opened in Terminal 3 Arrivals on today (July 16), making Manchester the third UK airport to have a Sainsbury’s store after Edinburgh and London Luton.

The convenience store is expected to create 24 jobs and will stock a range of everyday essentials, including meal deals, snacks, drinks, groceries and household items for passengers and airport staff.

Inside the new store (Image: Manchester Airport)

Customers will also be able to collect online orders from Argos and Habitat at the store, giving travellers the option to pick up purchases before departing or after returning from a trip.

The opening comes as Manchester Airport continues a major transformation of Terminal 3.

The terminal has expanded following the closure of Terminal 1 earlier this year, with part of the former terminal incorporated into T3.

A new 400-seat sports bar has already opened in the departure lounge, while Italian restaurant Terracotta is due to open later this year.

(Image: Manchester Airport)

Richard Jackson, Retail Director at Manchester Airport, said: “It’s wonderful to see such an iconic name joining the line-up of places to eat, drink and shop in Terminal 3.

“We know when passengers arrive back into the country after a trip abroad, they value the convenience of being able to pick up the essentials they need to restock their fridges or kitchen cupboards right here.

“This is a great addition to our retail options in T3 Arrivals and I’m sure it’ll prove very popular.

“The added bonus of being able to collect your Argos or Habitat orders from this store means you can order something while on holiday and pick it up as soon as you arrive back at the airport – or order essentials for your trip and pick them up before you check in for your flight.”

David Pilbeam, Sainsbury’s Director of Acquisitions, Capital Projects and Engineering, said the company was pleased to expand its presence in UK transport hubs.

He said: “We’re delighted to have opened our brand-new Sainsbury’s Local in Manchester Airport today, where we’re excited to play a key role in the ongoing regeneration of Terminal 3.

“We’re passionate about bringing more delicious Sainsbury’s food to more customers in more locations throughout the UK.

“Part of this includes our continued expansion into key transport hubs like UK train stations and, more recently, airports.

“I’m looking forward to seeing our third airport store build on the success of our first two as we bring some of the best of Sainsbury’s convenience offer to the busy passengers and colleagues in Manchester Airport, 24 hours a day.”