Barbara Bentley, the plucky saleswoman who starred in the TV show I'm Running Sainsbury's, will see her vision for the supermarket rolled out across all 500 stores from 1 December with the introduction of store hosts.

The hosts will have information about new lines, money-saving promotions and special offers. They will walk the store ensuring customers know about new products and what is particularly good value.

Bentley, who works at Leeds White Rose store, originally wanted to actively sell to customers by wheeling round a trolley of goods and persuading shoppers to buy items. In the show she successfully sold trolleys full of hot cross buns by approaching customers as they shopped. But following concerns about hard selling tactics from Jacki Connor, Sainsbury's director of customer services, Bentley's plans were adapted to be focused on giving customers information over Christmas rather than pushing particular items.

The hosts will not wield microphones, as Bentley did on the show, but will walk around the store offering help and advice. Sainsbury's said the hosts would be recruited from within their store and would be chosen for their outstanding customer service, wide product knowledge and enthusiasm.

"It's great when our colleagues spot new ways to help customers," said Connor. "We receive lots of ideas from colleagues about how we can continue to improve the service we offer our customers and this is just an example. We're keen to have a host in all our stores for Christmas."

The hosts will be in place throughout December. It is not known if they will continue their roles in January.

Bentley said she was pleased her idea had been adopted. "Customers welcome being told about new products and appreciate any tips on how to save money," she said. "Christmas is the perfect time to extend this scheme because we have so many new ranges, special offers and bargains in store."

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