Sainsburys

A very lovely place to stay overlooking the river. Easy access to the buses (the fares are really good) and train station. Would go back again. Went with 4 other people a great stay, and I would thoroughly recommend the place for somewhere to stay that is not far from Belfast City Centre, and around 45 minutes by bus to Belfast International Airport

Sainsburys is ok.... but......hard to fathom. I am not an interior shop designer and feel sure those who shop there like it that way. (Or they just live near by). Each time I visit Sainsburys it just feels.... strange. Something is lacking, but I hasten to add that it is absolutely not the staff (they are lovely) or particularly the goods they sell (although more offers on chocolate and perhaps biscuits all year round would be a bonus! Feels like frowned upon forbidden self indulgence is not encouraged apart from cake...well actually I think they made it a policy to not to over sell overly sweet stuff ... but there are still good selections of alcohol... and moods have changed!) It just lacks the atmosphere of a busy thriving popular place to shop at times. However.. the shelves have hidden gems on them for the more discerning customer (it seems) which might not be compatible with huge weekly grocery treks. So... congratulations Sainsburys. You do stock some nifty items not always found elsewhere. Example? Ok... tubes of chilli paste spring to mind to start with. Some Polish goods (and be bold as their confectionary you only stock around Christmas is lovely) also 'free from' produce. The aisles are very wide (good job) and parking is easy (very good job). The Fresh produce is inviting. It feels like the instore bakery goods are lost amongst a vast range of brand names (good selection but harsh). It is just a very clinical and not a very ' want to pop in as often as possible on the way home' atmosphere..... except for around Christmas (even Easter). The shoppers really pile in then.... because there are quality gifting treats for sale (or pure self indulgence, and why not when life can be a bit bland these days!) Just needs... 'je ne c'est quois' ...for the rest of the year. That's it! I detect an identity crisis. The original Sainsbury 'ideal' and image has become outdated and lost. On the same page as Waitrose and Marks and Spencer but wanting to offer greater value to compete with Aldi and Asda George (TU does have some very nice clothing for children, bedtime, winter etc, but not as much of it... and that name! Yuck. Sorry) also providing the Argos outlet, but lacking in a choice of laundry products and some others, Sainsbury just needs to work on how to sell itself these days. Quality, alongside compatible choices and pricing. A totally new image is needed that boldly embraces the whole package that could be on offer for all to enjoy now. Come on Sainsburys. Time for a bit of a revamp me thinks.