The Grocer reports … Sainsbury’s has said it plans to open 50 new convenience stores in London and the South East by 2014.

The retailer said the expansion would bring the number of its c-stores in the region up to 200, and create more than 1,000 jobs.

“Sainsbury’s has an unrivalled history in London and the South East with our first store opening in Drury Lane in 1869 and these new stores carry on this tradition,” said Simon Twigger, Sainsbury’s convenience director.

“The new ‘Locals’ will be located on high streets and in the heart of communities, providing access to healthy, quality food at fair prices. They will also give a real boost for other retailers as they bring increased footfall and trade.”

Sainsbury’s convenience store business grew 18% year-on-year , the retailer reported on 19 March. It has opened 87 convenience stores so far in 2012-3 and now has 523 c-stores nationwide.

Twigger said the c-store expansion would be backed by a new distribution centre at Thameside, which would create 350 jobs.

Retail analysts IGD said the total UK convenience market is worth £34bn (year to April 2012), and it forecast this to increase to £44bn by 2017.