In a strategic move to bolster its presence in the UK retail market, Asda has revealed plans to open 110 Asda Express convenience stores in February 2024. 

The expansion is part of a multi-million-pound investment and aligns with the company's goal to become the UK's second-largest grocery retailer. 

The supermarket chain will rebrand 109 former Co-op and EG Group convenience stores to Asda Express, with one additional new store opening.  

The new stores are strategically located across the UK, including in areas where Asda historically had a smaller footprint, such as southern England. 

The new stores will offer up to 3,000 branded and own-label products including essentials such as milk and bread. 

The initiative will propel Asda towards the milestone of 1,000 stores across the UK. 

Customers can anticipate an average saving of 8% compared to the previous Co-op locations, and a 15% saving relative to former EG Group sites. 

The conversion of all 470 convenience sites acquired from Co-op and EG Group is on track for completion by the end of March.  

Asda had already transformed 259 sites by the end of January, in addition to eight organic Asda Express stores. 

The expansion continues the growth strategy which has been the company's focus since its acquisition by the Issa brothers and TDR Capital in 2021. 

Asda convenience vice-president Andy Perry stated: "Asda's significant investment in building a nationwide chain of convenience stores is a key component of our long-term strategy to become the number two player in UK grocery.  

“February is a transformational month for the programme with a record number of store openings and conversion of all former Co-op sites to Asda Express sites. The teams have worked at pace to reach this point and we look forward to bringing Asda’s quality and low prices to many more communities across the UK.” 

In December 2023, Asda announced plans to launch 21 new Asda Express convenience stores by the end of January.