Asda plans to open 300 convenience stores over the next four years.
On the opening day of its second Express format store in Tottenham Hale in London, the retailer confirmed that it plans to open 300 more convenience store sites by the end of 2026, creating 10,000 jobs in the sector.
According to the multiple operator, Asda is “looking to bring the Express concept to customers in convenient neighbourhood and residential settings, particularly those areas where there is not an Asda store nearby”.
Read More: What are Asda’s plans for the convenience channel?
The stores will stock around 3,000 SKUs, including a “comprehensive range of fresh, ambient and chilled groceries”, as well as products from Asda’s premium Extra Special range and a selection of beers, wines and spirits.
There will also be hot and cold ‘food for now’ options from Asda and partner brands including Leon, plus ‘food for later’ choices such as ready meals, pizzas, stir fry’s and a selection of £10 meal deals for two people. Asda’s ‘toyou’ parcel collection and return services and a rapid delivery service through Uber Eats will also be available in some stores.
These proposed 300 Asda Express stores are separate from the 132 convenience store sites Asda is acquiring from the Co-op which is currently going through a Competition and Markets Authority review process.
Asda’s co-owner Mohsin Issa highlighted the growth opportunity in the convenience channel.
“A key part of our growth strategy is to provide customers with more opportunities to shop at Asda closer to where they live or work,” he said. “With more than three quarters of the UK population visiting a convenience store in the last 12 months, the potential for growth in this market is significant. Our ambition is to become the convenience destination of choice by providing shoppers great value and a comprehensive and convenient range of products and services under one roof.”
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