Asda to open 110 Express c-stores in February

The retailer said the drive would accelerate its c-store growth strategy and put it “firmly on track to reach 1,000 UK stores in total for the first time”.

Asda will convert 109 former convenience stores acquired from the Co-op and EG Group to Asda Express, with one additional “organic opening”, as part of its multi-million-pound investment into c-stores as it aims to overtake Sainsbury’s and become the second-largest grocer in the UK.

The retailer said it is now on track to convert all 470 convenience sites acquired from the Co-op and EG Group to Asda Express stores before the end of March 2024.

Andy Perry, Asda’s vice-president of convenience, said: “Asda’s significant investment in building a nationwide chain of convenience stores is a key component of our long-term strategy to become the number two player in UK grocery.

“February is a transformational month for the programme with a record number of store openings and conversion of all former Co-op sites to Asda Express sites. The teams have worked at pace to reach this point and we look forward to bringing Asda’s quality and low prices to many more communities across the UK.”

Asda Express stores stock up to 3,000 branded and own-label products to suit a broad range of customer needs such as “top-up shops for essential items” and “grabbing lunch on the go or cooking dinner from scratch”.