Asda plans to expand its convenience sector with 300 new stores

Asda plans to expand its convenience sector with 300 new stores

Supermarket chain Asda has announced it plans to open 300 new convenience stores over the next four years.

Accelerating the rollout of its Asda Express stores, it confirmed the 300 stores would be open by the end of 2026.

With sales in convenience stores forecast to grow by 13% to over £50bn by 2027, the development of a store network in this market is a key part of Asda’s long-term growth strategy to become the UK’s second-largest supermarket.

While the geography of the new stores hasn’t been disclosed, it is anticipated that the move will create approximately 10,000 jobs.

The retailer 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.

Designed to cater for customer needs, each store will include ‘top-up’ shops for essential needs, such as milk and bread, getting some lunch on the go or buying fresh ingredients to cook dinner from scratch.

They will stock around 3000 products, including a comprehensive range of fresh, ambient and chilled groceries, as well as products from Asda’s premium Extra Special range and a broad selection of beers, wines and spirits.

Customers will also enjoy a range of hot and cold ‘food for now’ options from Asda and partner brands including Leon, as well as ‘food for later’ choices, such as ready meals and a selection of £10 meal deals for two.

Asda’s co-owner, Mohsin Issa said: “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.

“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.”