Leeds-based supermarket giant Asda announced a plan to create 10,000 new convenience store jobs over the next four years as it accelerates the rollout of its new Asda Express store concept.
Asda has opened its second Asda Express convenience store and confirmed its plans to open 300 more 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,” said Asda.
“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.
“The second Express store to open is part of a residential development in Tottenham Hale, north London, adjacent to the tube and overground station.
“Each Asda Express store is designed to cater for a broad range of customer needs, including ‘top up’ shops for essential items such as milk and bread, grabbing a spot of lunch on the go, or buying the fresh ingredients to cook dinner from scratch.
“The stores will stock around 3,000 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, 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.”
Blackburn-based billionaire brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa and private equity firm TDR Capital completed the £6.8 billion acquisition of a majority ownership stake in Asda from Walmart Inc. in 2021.
Walmart retains an equity investment in Asda, with an ongoing commercial relationship and a seat on the board.
The target of 300 Asda Express stores by the end of 2026 does not include the convenience stores Asda is acquiring from the Co-op.
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.”