As of March 2018, how many Sainsbury stores were operational?

The number of operational Sainsbury stores as of March 2018 is correctly identified as 1,423. This figure reflects Sainsbury's strategic expansion and is indicative of its market presence in the UK grocery sector. The specific operational count at that time is derived from company reports and industry data, which detail Sainsbury's various store formats, including supermarkets and convenience stores. Having a precise number such as 1,423 illustrates Sainsbury's growth plans and its competitive stance within the retail space, contrasting with other retailers' operational figures, which may vary. The other options, while they represent numbers that could be plausible in the context of a large supermarket chain, do not align with the verified data from Sainsbury’s own records for that period.