Excitement builds as Sainsbury’s recruits staff for new Formby store ahead of opening

Excitement is building around the new Sainsbury’s in Formby as the supermarket giant begins recruiting permanent staff for its new Liverpool Road store, providing one of the strongest indications yet that preparations are moving towards opening.

The new Sainsbury’s Local is being created at the former Everlast and LA Fitness site on Liverpool Road, Formby, L37 6BR, where considerable work has been taking place to transform the building into a new retail development.

The site will include the new Sainsbury’s Local alongside Howdens and another retail unit, bringing a major change to the prominent building which has stood vacant since the closure of the gym.

Although Sainsbury’s has not yet publicly confirmed the all important opening date, the arrival of permanent job vacancies specifically for the new Liverpool Road store suggests preparations are gathering pace behind the scenes.

SAINSBURY’S IS RECRUITING IN FORMBY

The latest vacancy is for a permanent part time Trading Assistant at the new Formby Liverpool Road Local Store.

The position pays £13.23 per hour and offers 14.25 hours per week.

Sainsbury’s is looking for applicants who can be available during the following periods:

Wednesday from 6am until 12 noon

Thursday from 6am until 12 noon

Friday from 6am until 12 noon

Saturday from 6am until 12 noon

Actual weekly hours will be scheduled three weeks in advance within those availability periods.

The advertised closing date for applications is Friday 4th September 2026, although Sainsbury’s says its vacancies can close quickly and is encouraging anyone interested to apply at the earliest opportunity.

Applicants must be aged 18 or over because of the working hours and the types of products they may be required to handle. They must also have the right to work in the UK.

WHAT WILL THE JOB INVOLVE?

Trading Assistants will become part of the team responsible for making sure the new Formby store is ready for customers and providing a convenient and speedy shopping experience.

The role includes replenishing shelves, collecting stock from the warehouse, helping with deliveries, serving customers at the checkouts and making sure the store remains clean, tidy and well presented.

Colleagues will also select products for customers using Sainsbury’s on demand grocery ordering service, help customers with Click and Collect parcels and carry out date checks on fresh produce and grocery products.

Customer service will be an important part of the position, with staff expected to answer questions, offer assistance and develop a good knowledge of the products, services and promotions available in the store.

Sainsbury’s says it is looking for friendly and welcoming people who enjoy helping customers, are comfortable working in a busy and physical environment and are happy to work as part of a small team.

Full training will be provided, with opportunities for colleagues to learn different skills and progress within the company.

DISCOUNTS, FREE FOOD AND OTHER BENEFITS

Successful applicants will receive a range of employee benefits.

After four weeks, colleagues receive a discount card offering 10% off at Sainsbury’s, Argos, Tu and Habitat, with the Sainsbury’s discount increasing to 15% every Friday and Saturday.

Sainsbury’s also provides colleagues working in its stores with free food and hot drinks.

Other benefits include holiday entitlement, maternity and paternity leave, pension contributions, discounted Sainsbury’s share schemes and special offers covering gym memberships, restaurants, holidays, retail vouchers and more.

Employees can also access the company’s Employee Assistance Programme and a range of training, mentoring and career progression opportunities.

ANOTHER BIG STEP TOWARDS OPENING

For Formby residents who have been watching the transformation of the Liverpool Road site, recruitment is another important milestone.

Sainsbury’s has yet to announce exactly when customers will be able to walk through the doors for the first time.

However, recruiting permanent staff specifically for the new Formby store is certainly a positive sign that work is progressing.

The early morning availability requested in the latest vacancy is also noteworthy, with staff required to be available from 6am. This does not necessarily mean the shop itself will open to customers at 6am, as employees may be required before opening to prepare the store.

The new Sainsbury’s will bring another convenience supermarket to this part of Formby and represents a major new use for the former gym site.

With the building taking shape and permanent staff now being recruited, attention will inevitably turn to the question everyone wants answered.

When will the new Sainsbury’s finally open?

Formby Bubble will continue to follow developments and bring residents the confirmed opening date as soon as it is officially announced.

APPLY FOR A JOB AT THE NEW SAINSBURY’S FORMBY STORE

Anyone interested in working at the new store is encouraged to apply as soon as possible as Sainsbury’s warns that vacancies can close early.

The latest Trading Assistant position pays £13.23 per hour and is a permanent part time position offering 14.25 hours per week.

Apply here:

View the Formby Sainsbury’s Trading Assistant job and apply