Asda to open 25 new convenience stores by year-end

The supermarket giant said it plans to open the new tranche of c-stores between June and December, in accordance with its aims to reach more consumers in town and city centres, reported Grocery Gazette citing 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,” chairman Allan Leighton told the publication.

“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 are set to include former Co-op locations, after Asda acquired 478 convenience sites from Co-op and EG Group over the past two years.

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.”

The renewed expansion drive comes as the grocer slowed the pace of its convenience store openings last year. A dozen new stores opened in 2024, down from an original forecast of 30, and significantly below the 81 stores opened in 2023.

In recent years the supermarket chain has struggled with its market share, dropping from 14.8% in 2021 to 10.4% last month.

According to figures from Kantar, for the 12 weeks to 23 March, German discounter Aldi surpassed Asda for the first time, with a market share of 10.6% to Asda’s 10.4%.