Asda opens first of its former Co-op stores as Asda Express

No comments

Asda has accelerated its takeover into convenience as it opens 11 sites that were formerly Co-op stores.

Asda Express exterior

Asda will convert 105 more former Co-ops into Asda Express stores

Asda acquired 132 petrol station forecourts from the Co-op last year in a £438m deal in a bid to grow its c-store business and help it fulfil its long-term strategy of becoming the UK’s second-largest supermarket.

The deal received regulatory approval from the Competition and Markets Authority in June once Asda agreed to get rid of 13 sites to “satisfy competition requirements”.

The 11 sites are the first to be rebranded as Asda Express stores, with the remaining 105 sites expected to be converted by the end of the first quarter next year.

The new stores will stock up to 3,000 branded and own-label products including “top-up” shops for essential items such as milk and bread.

Asda co-owner Mohsin Issa said: “The launch of our conversion programme is an incredibly exciting moment for our business and accelerates our presence in the fast-growing convenience market.

“We look forward to bringing Asda’s great value in fuel and groceries to many more communities across the UK and to welcoming over 2,000 former Co-op colleagues to the Asda family in the coming months.

The 11 sites that have opened are: