Asda turns to convenience stores for growth with 25 new openings this year

Asda is set to ramp up its expansion of convenience stores this year, with plans to open 25 new locations between June and December.

This marks a significant push in the supermarket’s strategy to grow its smaller store formats and reach more local shoppers in towns and city centres.

According to the Telegraph, the supermarket had slowed its pace of convenience store openings last year, launching only 12.

However, the renewed expansion comes as part of a broader turnaround effort under the leadership of executive chairman Allan Leighton, who returned to the business back in November.

• Related Story

  • 

    Asda CIO and tech VP step down amid team shake-up

    17/04/2025 x 4:10 PM

Asda’s market share has been under pressure since its 2021 acquisition by private equity group TDR Capital and the Issa brothers, falling from 14.8% to 12.5% in recent years.

While at the start of the month, data found that Aldi has now overtaken Asda on food and drink sales in a fresh blow to the embattled supermarket chain.

Aldi accounted for 10.6% of food and drink sales across the sector in the 12 weeks to 23 March, overtaking Asda’s market share which fell from 10.5% to 10.4%.

On ramping up its convenience footprint, Leighton told the Telegraph: “We are committed to rebuilding Asda and positioning it once again as the go-to brand for customers who want value and convenience. These new stores will be a crucial part of our strategy to regain market share and deliver a better service to local communities.”

The new stores will include former Co-op locations, with Asda having acquired 470 sites from Co-op and EG Group over the past two years. The supermarket’s plans align with growing competition in the convenience store sector, with rivals like Tesco and Waitrose also announcing similar expansion efforts.

Leighton added: “These new openings reflect our commitment to delivering the best possible shopping experience, and we’re excited to be part of this new chapter in Asda’s growth.”

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter