Tesco has signed a deal to sublet space in its Stockton-on-Tees supermarket to gym operator Xercise4Less as part of its plans to downsize its larger stores.
The move forms part of Tesco’s wider strategy to reduce floor space at its bigger stores as demand for many non-food items moves online. The UK’s largest grocer is already planning to insert its restaurant Giraffe into some larger stores, as well as its coffee chain Harris & Hoole. It has also emerged that Tesco is in talks with Sports Direct about taking space in its supermarkets.
Xercise4Less will take on 31,910 sq ft on the mezzanine floor of the existing 120,000 sq ft Tesco Durham Rd store in Stockton-on-Tees, in a deal brokered by Tesco’s property advisors Morgan Williams. Tesco is aiming to sublet space in more than 100 of its larger stores.
The gym will create up to 50 new jobs.
Last week Tesco chief marketing officer Matt Atkinson revealed plans to repurpose the Stockton-on-Tees store to include an unnamed gym.
The gym, which will be branded Xercise4Less at Tesco, will offer classes such as circuits, Pilates and Zumba. Membership will start from £9.99 a month.
Tesco corporate affairs manager Doug Wilson said: “As part of our plans to make our Stockton store an even better retail destination for our customers we are delighted to partner Xercise4Less in this exciting new venture.
“Our store will continue to offer everything our customers need for their weekly shop with the added benefit of a gym to help our customers lead a healthy lifestyle. The health and wellbeing of our customers and staff has always been a key focus for us. Fitting exercise into our days is never easy but having a gym alongside the Tesco store means our customers can access the facility at a time that suits them.”
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