Asda opened its 200th Express store yesterday as it continues with the rapid rollout of the convenience format across standalone sites and the nearly 500 petrol forecourts it has acquired from the Co-op and EG Group.
Eight stores were opened yesterday in locations including Norwich, Eastleigh, Bournemouth, Wakefield, Halifax, Durham, Staffordshire, and Wimborne. The group expects to open another 26 before Christmas in areas around the UK.
The Asda Express stores stock around 3,000 branded and own-label products, including ‘top up’ items, lunch on the go options, and dinner ingredients.
An Asda spokesperson said: “This acceleration into convenience plays a key role in our ambition to grow our share and become the number two supermarket in the UK. We look forward to bringing Asda’s great value fuel and groceries to more communities across the UK as we continue our rollout in the coming months.”
NAM Implications:
- Asda’s mile-a-minute pace will hopefully keep it ahead of its debt pile.
- Meanwhile, the other mults won’t sit on their hands.
- Patently time for suppliers to place their bets…
