Asda has opened its second Express store as part of plans to rapidly expand its presence in the convenience channel.
Having launched the standalone c-store format last month in the West Midlands, the latest Express store opened today in Tottenham Hale, north London, adjacent to the tube and overground station.
With sales in the convenience sector forecast to grow by 13% to over £50bn by 2027, Asda confirmed that it was aiming to open 300 more c-stores by the end of 2026 as part of its drive to become the UK’s second-largest grocery retailer. New locations confirmed for 2023 include Wiltshire, Essex and Surrey.
The stores stock around 3,000 products, including a range of fresh, ambient and chilled groceries, as well as products from Asda’s premium Extra Special range and a selection of beers, wines and spirits. There are also hot and cold ‘food for now’ options from Asda and its partner brands, including Leon. Asda’s ‘toyou’ parcel collection and return services and a delivery service through Uber Eats will also be available in some stores.
“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,” said Mohsin Issa, Asda’s co-owner.
“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 retailer noted that the target of 300 Express stores by the end of 2026 does not include the forecourt convenience stores Asda is acquiring from the Co-op. This deal is currently going through the CMA’s competition review process.
NAM Implications:
- Best to anticipate that Asda will achieve 300 Express stores by the end of 2026.
- In which case, given your categories, what would a realistic expectation of your fair share of sales and investment?
- With the only possible restrictor being financing…
