E-Commerce Venture

Sainsbury(J) PLC
23 March 2000


J SAINSBURY plc ANNOUNCES BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS
 E-COMMERCE VENTURE

As part of its accelerated development in E-Commerce,  J Sainsbury plc is to
radically change the way it buys goods through membership of the
GlobalNetXchange, a business-to-business online exchange for retailers on a
world wide basis over the internet.

J Sainsbury plc will be the first UK retailer to join Sears, Carrefour and
Oracle as a Charter Member with equity in the holding company running the
GlobalNetXchange. The GlobalNetXchange has the potential to manage some $200
billion of trade and become the industry leader. The initial cost of the
investment for J Sainsbury plc will be $15 million.
 
Across Sainsbury's businesses, this will mean: 

- Greater efficiencies and cost savings in buying on the web
- Collaborative buying opportunities for non resaleable goods
- More efficient planning and forecasting in supply chain
- Increased range and choice of sourced goods, particularly in own label goods

Sir Peter Davis, Group Chief Executive J Sainsbury plc said:
'The GlobalNetXchange represents an innovative and revolutionary step change
in the way retailers and suppliers will be able to conduct their business
world wide and I'm delighted that Sainsbury's has moved quickly to become the
first UK equity member. The benefits and efficiencies generated by this
initiative will have significant impact across all aspects of our business and
create new value for customers. 

We have already stated that we intend E-Commerce to be an integral part of our
business and this major development is the first in a rapid series of advances
we will be making in this area.'

For further information

Contact       Press Office 0171 695 7295
              Investor Relations 0171 695 6215