The first tranche of 11 Co-op sites to be rebranded Asda Express. Credit: ASDA.

UK-based supermarket chain Asda has launched a programme to convert the 116 former Co-op stores and attached petrol station forecourts into its Asda Express brand stores.

The retailer is converting the first tranche, comprising 11 sites, into its convenience format, with plans to convert the remaining 105 sites by the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

According to Asda, the converted Express sites will house up to 3,000 branded and own-label products, including essential items such as milk, bread and others.

In October last year, Asda acquired 132 Co-op sites in a deal valued at £438m ($535.74m).

The move is part of the retailer’s long-term strategy to enter the fast-growing convenience market as it aims to become one of the leading supermarkets in the UK.

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.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“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 retailer also operates three stand-alone Express stores in Sutton Coldfield, London (Tottenham Hale) and Calne.

In the coming months, Asda will also open new stores in Oxford Road, Manchester, and Romford Station, Havering.

Meanwhile, the supermarket chain is on track to complete the acquisition of the convenience business of EG Group in the UK.

In August this year, Asda launched a new food-to-go concept, Asda Food Hub, to drive more footfall across stores.