Asda is gearing up to launch approximately 20 new convenience stores in the upcoming months. The debut of the first Asda Express store is scheduled for early October in Castleford, with subsequent openings in other locations later in the same month. These stores will offer a variety of up to 3,000 branded and own-label products, including essential items like milk and bread.
The new stores are strategically planned to be situated in urban areas, residential neighborhoods, and transportation hubs. This expansion initiative follows Asda’s successful acquisition of 469 convenience store and fuel sites from Co-op and EG Group. The introduction of Asda’s initial Express store took place in 2022.
David Lepley, Chief Supply Chain Officer, expressed enthusiasm about commencing the next phase of the Express rollout, emphasizing the company’s commitment to delivering excellent value across the UK. Within a span of three years, Asda has rapidly grown from zero convenience stores to nearly 500 outlets by the end of this year. The ongoing investment underscores Asda’s confidence in its convenience strategy and dedication to extending its low-price offerings to more local communities.
In parallel, Asda recently unveiled plans to revamp 180 of its in-store cafes as part of a £180 million investment. The enhancements will include digital ordering screens and a table ordering service, complementing the existing manned tills. A new menu featuring items like smashed avocado on toast, katsu chicken curry, salad bowls, wraps, nachos, loaded fries, and a variety of pizzas, including margherita, pepperoni, and veggie supreme, will be introduced. Additionally, new drinks such as flavored iced coffees and a selection of cakes will be added to the menu, while traditional favorites like full English breakfast and fish and chips will remain available.
The refurbishment project, managed by partner Compass Group, is anticipated to be finalized by the end of October. Asda currently operates 205 cafes, with the popular Kids Eat for £1 promotion set to continue.