Asda drops Deal Depot cash and carry trial

Asda has permanently closed its Deal Depot cash-and-carry trial, initially launched to rival Costco’s bulk buy model.

The Bristol Deal Depot – located next to the Patchway Asda store – first opened as a trial at the end of 2019, allowing Asda to test out the new bulk-buy concept before rolling it out to other locations across the UK.

The closure has been confirmed by Asda, with the store finally shutting its doors last week. Staff were offered alternative positions at another local branch of the supermarket.

The Deal Depot concept was initially launched to mirror the Costco buying model, offering exclusive bulk buys, multipacks, wholesale cases, catering packs and other plus-size consumer lines to businesses and members of the public. No membership fees or sign up was required.

READ MORE: Is Asda’s yellow Just Essentials value range a branding nightmare? 

The bulk buy purchases – such as 5l bottles of bleach – were unavailable in Asda’s own supermarkets. The Deal Depot also sold alcohol, confectionery, fresh meat, toiletries and soft drinks.

An Asda spokesperson said: “We launched our Deal Depot bulk-buy store trial in 2019 in order to learn from the concept and test new approaches to retail with customers.

“This trial has now come to an end and Deal Depot colleagues have been offered roles within our Patchway store.”

Asda went on to extend parts of the bulk-buy concept into 10 existing Asda branches last year, offering larger quantities and greater savings across selected lines. Selected stores have benefitted from a dedicated bulk buy aisle while others will see a smaller selection of bulk buy items being merchandised alongside smaller packs in the same aisle.

At the time, Asda’s senior director of wholesale and convenience, Debra Lees, said the trial shows there is “demand from customers for bigger packs to help them benefit from even better savings”.

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