Asda has launched a £50m store upgrade programme for its larger supermarkets and superstores.
The programme will start at its Long Eaton site in Nottingham and will roll out across 170 stores in total, with the process completed by the end of November.
Fifty of Asda’s larger stores will receive major upgrades, including the introduction of new in-store services and features. This will include new George departments in some stores and new foyers, seasonal aisles, food-to-go services, counters, flooring and lighting.
The remaining stores will receive refreshed exterior and interior decoration to reflect Asda’s recent introduction of a new brand identity. These stores will also receive new trolley bays, signage, improved toilet facilities, and exterior landscaping work.
Ian Brackenbury, Senior Director of Construction and Implementation at Asda, said: “We are always looking at ways in which we can improve the overall experience for our customers and this program is one of the many ways we are actively doing that.
“Starting with our supermarkets and superstores, this significant investment allows us to upgrade our stores by launching new and exciting services, whilst making significant improvements to the existing components of our established stores.
“This program marks another exciting milestone moment for us on our journey and underpins our continued commitment to ensuring Asda is set up for long-term success.”
Despite rolling out a series of initiatives aimed at boosting performance, Asda revealed earlier this month that its like-for-like sales grew just 1.4% in the first quarter to 31 March – a slowdown from a 2.2% rise in the previous quarter.
More recent figures from Kantar covering the 12 weeks to 12 May also highlight that Asda is underperforming its rival, with sales down 2.0% and its market share slipping from 13.9% to 13.1%.
NAM Implications:
- The issue will be whether these upgrades will deliver results quickly enough…
- …to counteract their debt pressure.
- And encourage suppliers to aim for more strategic partnerships…
