Asda is to open 300 new convenience stores and create 10,000 new jobs over the next four years as it ramps up the roll out of its new Asda Express format.
The supermarket opened its second Asda Express store this morning, in Tottenham Hale, London, as it confirmed plans to open 300 more by the end of 2026.
The acceleration of the convenience rollout forms a key part of the grocer’s long-term strategy to capitalise on the growth of the convenience sector – which is forecast to grow by 13% to more than £50bn by 2027 – as it looks overtake Sainsbury’s and become the UK’s second largest supermarket.
The supermarket giant is focusing on bringing its convenience concept to customers in residential neighbourhoods or key commuter locations, particularly where there is not already an Asda store nearby.
Subscribe to Grocery Gazette for free
Sign up here to get the latest grocery and food news each morning
The second of Asda’s standalone convenience stores, the newest Asda Express is part of a residential development adjacent to the tube and overground station. It has also created 24 jobs for the local community and expects to serve 1,200 customers each day.
The stores will stock around 3,000 products, including a comprehensive range of fresh, ambient and chilled groceries, as well as products from the retailer’s premium Extra Special range and a broad selection of beers, wines and spirits.
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.”
The target of 300 convenience stores by the end of 2026 does not include the 130 Co-op petrol forecourt stores Asda acquired earlier this year. This deal is currently going through the CMA’s normal competition review process.
