Asda opens record Express stores and is “on track” for 1,000 stores
Asda has opened a record 81 Asda Express stores in December, as the supermarket retailer confirms it is on track to operate 1,000 UK stores by March 2024.
The retailer now operates 229 Asda Express stores following the conversions of recently-acquired Co-op and EG sites, as well as the opening of eight standalone convenience stores.
Should Asda hit its target of 1,000 stores, this will be the retailer’s largest-ever estate in its 58-year history.
The openings include Asda’s first convenience store in Manchester city centre, as well as three new London stores in Romford, Acton, and Ealing. Asda is aiming to open a further 11 Express stores in the capital next year, an area where it has traditionally been underrepresented.
Andy Perry, managing director of convenience at Asda, said: “It has been a Herculean effort by the teams involved in our Asda Express roll out to convert 81 stores in one month as part of our commitment to bringing Asda’s great value offer to even more communities.
“Expansion into the growing convenience market is a key pillar of our long-term strategy to become the UK’s second largest supermarket retailer – and we know how important Asda’s great value is to families managing cost of living pressures – especially in the run up to Christmas. As we head into 2024 it is incredibly exciting to see the continued roll out of Asda Express stores into more communities – meaning customers will be able to access Asda amazing value and quality in more locations than ever in its proud history.”
Last year, Asda announced long-term plans to open 300 convenience stores by 2026.